The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Crime Line have thanked the public for coming forward with information on the possible whereabouts and identities of a gang of ATM bombers and have appealed to communities to continue passing on detailed information.
Pictures of some of the gang members responsible for a spate of attacks, including the recent ATM bombing and murder of a police reservist in Pimville, Soweto, were released this morning.
They were captured on CCTV cameras. The same gang attacked an ATM in Emondlo, Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this week.
Gauteng Police Spokesman, Brigadier Neville Malila, has confirmed that as a result of the extensive media coverage “a number of tip-offs have come through via Crime Line and Crime Stop. This had led to the arrest of two suspects in Johannesburg. "Investigations are at a sensitive stage and on-going", said Malila.
“We thank the public, but appeal to them to continue to assist us in identifying the other men and to tell us about their whereabouts,” Malila said.
A team of detectives have been tasked with following up every tip-off and Malila said they were working around the clock.
“Good progress is being made", said Malila.
Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, said it was “heartening” to see how more and more members of the public were contributing towards a safer South Africa by passing on information.
He congratulated the public and the police for the arrest of two men. "Let's now get the other thugs."
“We also thank the media for the role they are playing. The partnership between the police, the public and the media is being strengthened with initiatives like these. It’s good to see we are all uniting against a common enemy - crime and criminals.”
He urged the public to go to www.crimeline.co.za, the Facebook page or YouTube to watch the CCTV footage of the men. They have all been labelled as dangerous and heavily armed.
Crime Line has had thousands of hits today to its website after the footage and photos were released this morning.
Media enquiries
Brigadier Neville Malila (Gauteng Police Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 411 4030
Marisa Oosthuizen (Crime Line Coordinator)
Cell: 071 674 5089
Yusuf Abramjee (Head of Crime Line)
Cell: 082 441 4203
