NELSPRUIT - The multi-disciplinary police team comprised of Ehlanzeni Crime Intelligence Task Team, White River Flying Squad, Tonga K9 Unit and White River K9 Unit nabbed two male suspects aged 38 and 42 who are alleged to be involved in incidents of ATM bombings or even cash-in-transit heists (CIT's). They are expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate's Court in Tonga today after they were arrested and found in possession of a pistol, some explosives, large number of ammunition for rifles and for pistols.

The province of Mpumalanga experienced a number of incidents where suspects attacked various business premises mostly fuel stations whereby explosives were detonated to get cash from drop-in-safe's and ATM's. Under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, a team of experts was assembled to trace and arrest the perpetrators hence this breakthrough. The team is working around the clock to effect more arrests. Police believe that the arrested suspects could have been responsible for a string of business robberies in areas like Tonga, Pienaar, Nhlazatshe, Acornhoek, Kanyamazane, Schoemansdal and Kamhlushwa. In one of the incidents, one person was killed during an ATM bombing at Kamhlushwa in October 2022.

The two were cornered at Mzinti and Masibekela respectively near Komatipoort. During their arrest, a pistol with one magazine and 26 live rounds ammunition, four live rounds of an R5 assault rifle, an explosive charger box as well as explosive wires were found in their possession. Police cannot rule out the possibility that the suspects might be linked to other cases and anticipates to make more arrests as the investigation continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was overwhelmed by the major breakthrough and applauded all members involved in the operation for their dedication in the fight against crime.

Source: South African Police Service