Hawks net more ATM bombing suspects

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Pretoria - Police are making steady progress in their investigations into a spate of ATM bombings, tracking down two more suspects believed to part of a bigger gang operating in several provinces.

During the operation at the weekend, one suspect was shot dead in Thokoza, while the other - an ex-policeman - was arrested in Cosmo City.

"The two suspects are allegedly part of a gang that has been operating in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. During one of the bombings, a police reservist was killed in Pimville. The same gang was allegedly involved in the killing of a security guard in Vryheid, and the shooting of a policeman in Ulundi," SAPS said.

The gang is believed to be responsible for 18 ATM bombings.

The police team - which consisted of Hawks members from head office and KZN, as well as Crime Intelligence from Mpumalanga - recovered a gun and car, believed to have been used during the crimes.

On Monday, the police operation continued in Hlabisa, KwaZulu-Natal.

"Two AK47s, an Uzzi and another car were recovered. Our members also recovered explosive gels, detonators and battery packs that were used during the crime spree. The team is still searching for more suspects," SAPS said.

Police management congratulated the team for the successful operation.