A police crime intelligent driven operation that was executed by the Secunda Crime Intelligent Unit, the Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team, Ermelo Tracing Team, and Leslie Visible Policing led to the arrest of six suspects linked to the possible bombing of an ATM in the business area of Leandra on Wednesday, February 8.
According to Ridge Times, there were about 20 heavily armed suspects who were using three vehicles, a brown and cream-white Toyota Siyaya minibus, a silver-grey VW Polo, and a white Toyota Corolla.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said preliminary investigation revealed that the 31-year-old mastermind who is currently renting a room in Spruitview, Ekurhuleni (Gauteng), assembled a team of criminals from Tokoza, Zonkizizwe, and Soweto to execute the robbery.
“It was also revealed that three suspects, believed to be co-planners, were spotted driving around the targeted business area on Monday, February 6, using the same Toyota Corolla that was involved in the robbery.”
“After the crime was committed, information was gathered which led to the arrest of the suspects, recovery of stolen money, recovery of explosives used to detonate the ATMs, recovery of firearms and ammunition,” said Mohlala.
Ridge Times reported that more information will be gathered as the investigation continues and the police hope to make more arrests soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela applauded the good work and cooperation among all four different police disciplines.
The general warned ATM bombers that the police will bring all perpetrators to book.
The crime rate is on the rise in South Africa.
