Mpumalanga – South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that 10 suspects between the ages of 25 and 62 were arrested after Police foiled a suspected ATM bombing in Vosman outside Witbank on Wednesday.
Members from Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Witbank in conjunction with members from Crime Intelligence were behind the arrest.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, reports indicate that members received information regarding a possible ATM bombing which was reportedly planned to take place at Arkerviĺle.
“An urgent plan was then made and members were placed at strategic spots accordingly. At about 01:30 am the men and women in Blue tactically moved to a certain house. Outside the house was a white Ford Ranger with Gauteng registration number plates with nine occupants inside.
“A search was conducted and that is when the two R5 rifles with ammunition as well as a 9mm pistol with ammunition were found. On further observations the astute members noticed that the serial numbers on the rifles were filed off,” Mdhluli said.
After entering the house, the team found a male person inside. Upon searching the man, stained bank notes were reportedly discovered in his possession.
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A search was also conducted in the house where Police found explosives in a black bag inside one of the bedrooms. Various chemicals were allegedly found as well, and the investigation will determine whether the chemicals were used to clean the stained bank notes.
The colonel added that one of the firearms was reportedly stolen from a Police station.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the recovered pistol belongs to the SAPS and it was reportedly stolen during a robbery at Grootvlei Police Station last month (September 2022). The suspects could be linked to an incident in which Devon Police Station (in Gauteng Province) was robbed of firearms earlier this month (October 2022).”
The suspects are facing several charges, including being found in possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition as well as illegal possession of explosives.
However, Mdhluli said that the chance of adding to the list of charges cannot be ruled out.
“Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges in relation to the seized stained bank notes as the investigation continues. The suspects could possibly be linked to other crimes committed elsewhere. The suspects are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
