Mahikeng Bloodbath: Three ATM Bombing Suspects Killed, Cop Among Five Arrested

Three suspects have been shot dead during a confrontation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mahikeng, following an ATM bombing incident in Zeerust.

The deadly exchange unfolded after police tracked the suspects to a safe house, where a shootout broke out.

Mahikeng Shootout Leaves Three Dead After Zeerust ATM Bombing

Police spokesperson Adele Myburgh said members of the SAPS National Intervention Unit cornered the suspects in Magogo.

“The suspects have been cornered at their safe house in Magogo, Mahikeng, where there was a shootout between police and the suspects. The acting provincial commissioner is on the way to the crime scene,” she said.

The operation followed an ATM bombing reported in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, near Zeerust, where suspects allegedly used explosives to access cash before fleeing the scene.

Operation Leopard Nets Arrests Including Police Officer

Authorities confirmed that the operation forms part of Operation Leopard, a national effort aimed at tackling ATM bombings.

An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of five suspects, including a police officer, in connection with the crime.

Police intercepted one of the getaway vehicles shortly after the robbery, leading to the initial arrests before further suspects were tracked down.

The suspects were located at a property in Magogae Village, Mmabatho, where the confrontation occurred, resulting in three suspects being fatally wounded.

Major General Ryno Naidoo praised the coordinated efforts of various specialised units involved in the operation.

He also condemned the alleged involvement of a SAPS member in the crime.

“The actions of any member of the SAPS who engages in criminality are a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect. Such conduct will not be tolerated, and those found on the wrong side of the law will face the full might of the law,” said Naidoo.

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The operation included members from the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Tactical Response Team (TRT) Mahikeng, K9 units from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho Visible Policing, detectives, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Crime Scene Management teams, Emergency and Medical Rescue Services, and Provincial Traffic.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges including ATM bombing, possession of explosives and related offences.

Police have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down additional suspects linked to the case.