A Task team assembled to trace and arrest suspects responsible for incidents of ATM bombings across Limpopo province made a major breakthrough in apprehending ten suspects. The suspects are aged between 24 and 30.
The arrests were made during a multidisciplinary “Operation Takedown” that commenced on Monday 15 May 2023 in Gauteng. During this operation items including vehicles, firearms and explosives were seized.
Following a string of business robberies committed specifically in the Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Mopani districts where a group of heavily armed suspects attacked filling stations and explosives were donated to access cash from drop-in-safes and ATMs. The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe activated a Task team comprised of highly skilled investigators to hunt down the perpetrators.
ATM BOMBING SUSPECTS NABBED
The multi-disciplinary police team is composed of Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, Murder and Robbery Unit, Organised Cime Unit, and Flying Squad joined by Gauteng LCRC with assistance from the Private Security and Investigation company.
The suspects were also linked with 10 cases. The latest being an ATM bombing that took place at Ga-Mashashane on Tuesday 16 May.
The suspects were cornered at Soweto, Randfontein, Mabopane, and Orange Farm. They were found in possession of dye-stained bank notes, some explosives, 3 firearms and 18 live ammunition. Police also confiscated two motor vehicles.
Also read: Criminals bomb ATMs in Njhakanjhaka, Limpopo
The team is working tirelessly to effect more arrests and there is a possibility that the suspects might be linked to more cases.
Hadebe is highly impressed with the diligent work of this team of members after the major breakthrough.
Nine suspects have been identified as Lesotho Nationals and they were found to be in the country illegally. The other suspect is a South African. The suspects are facing charges of armed robbery, ATM bombing, possession of money. Also in possession of unlicensed firearms. As well as contravention of the Immigration Act.
