The police have arrested seven suspects in the North West and Limpopo in separate incidents for possession of explosive devices and conspiracy to commit an offence.
Criminals use explosive devices for Automated Teller Machine (ATM) robberies as well as committing cash in transit robberies.
The suspects were arrested during intelligence-driven operations in both provinces.
In the first incident, South African Police Service (SAPS) members went to Seraleng Village in Brits, where they arrested three suspects aged between 27 and 29 for possession of over 20 explosive devices.
The team then went to another village, Lekgaleng, to search for a black BMW with three occupants who were implicated in the planning of an ATM bombing at a local business centre.
When the vehicle stopped, the police seized the vehicle with potentially incriminating items. The three suspects were arrested for conspiracy to commit an ATM bombing.
In a separate incident, a woman aged 36, was arrested by the police at the Beitbridge port of entry.
As the police were conducting routine searches at the border gate, they discovered several components of explosive devices including connector caps, emulsion explosives and blasting caps.
National Commissioner of Police General Khehla John Sitole has since his appointment pronounced that there will be decisive action implemented in an effort to stamp the authority of the state.
One of the ways of achieving this is to ensure an effective and efficient crime intelligence environment, coupled with a dynamic Organised Crime Threat Analysis (OCTA) Strategy.
“I am satisfied that since the appointment of a permanent head of crime intelligence, for the first time in seven years, crime intelligence is moving in a positive direction and proving to be an enabling entity,” said General Sitole.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of illegal possession of explosives and conspiracy to commit a crime. - SAnews.gov.za
