Over the weekend, members of Crime Intelligence and the Hawks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have made a breakthrough with the arrest of seven suspects for a series of safe and ATM bombings as well as armed robberies.
During the operation, the team recovered three firearms with their serial numbers filed off as well as two vehicles (a Toyota Tazz and Mazda Laser) allegedly used during the crime spree. The investigating team also recovered explosive gels, detonators and battery packs.
Initial investigations has revealed that the gang was allegedly responsible for more than case 17 cases of safe and ATM bombings, a series of armed robberies as well a murder case of security guard in September this year. One of the suspects is a well a known high flyer from Makhado, while the other six are from Rusternburg, Seshego and Mara. The suspects are aged between 25 and 35 years old.
The gang was apprehended following a car chase in the R101 road (commonly known as the Vivo road) after information was received that the gang were planning an attack in Makhado in the early hours of Saturday morning. Other members from the nearby stations (Mara and Banderlierkop) were alerted where a roadblock was set up and their abrupt getaway was thwarted. The search of the vehicles police managed to recover three unlicensed firearms, safe and ATMS breaking implements and explosives.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Makhado Magistrate Court on Monday facing charges of murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and explosives. The suspects are also still being profiled as it is suspected that they form part of a gang responsible for violent crimes in Limpopo and possibly other Provinces.
The SAPS management has congratulated the joint team effort for frustrating the operations of what appears to be one of the most violent gangs in safe and ATM bombings in Limpopo.
Enquiries:
Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
Breakthrough in Safe and ATM bombings
