Over the weekend, the Hawks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have made a breakthrough in a case involving 18 ATM bombings. During the operation, a suspect was shot dead in Thokoza and another, an ex-policeman was arrested in Cosmo City. The two suspects are allegedly part of a gang that has been operating in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. During one of the bombings, a bombpolice reservist was killed in Pimville. The same gang was allegedly involved in the killing of a security guard in Vryheid, and the shooting of a policeman in Ulundi.
The joint operation was led by a senior member from Hawks head office. She was assisted by Hawks members from KZN and members of Crime Intelligence, Mpumalanga. During the weekend operation; the team recovered a gun as well as a car used during the crimes. This morning the operation continued in Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal. Two AK 47s, an Uzzi and another car were recovered. Our members also recovered explosive gels, detonators and battery packs that were used during the crime spree. The team is still searching for more suspects.
The SAPS management has congratulated the joint team for frustrating the operations of what appears to be one of the most ruthless gangs in ATM bombings.
Colonel McIntosh Polela
National Media Centre
Communication and Liaison Services
Tel: 012 400 6584 / 6579
Fax: 012 400 7018
Cell: 082 475 1427
E-mail: dpci.communication@saps.org.za
Source: South African Police Service
