An organised syndicate suspected of supplying cash robbers with explosives to bomb ATMs and cash trucks across the country has been apprehended.
The arrest took place in Welkom, Free State, where a team of interprovincial police successfully traced and captured three men and a woman on Wednesday. The police have reason to believe that the gang’s explosives may also be linked to illegal mining activities.
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The operation involved the Eastern Cape Crime Intelligence Unit members, the National Intervention Unit (NIU) from Pretoria, and the Saps Free State Explosives section. The team managed to seize 40 explosives and a number of explosives accessories during the arrest.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that the suspects are believed to be involved in various cases where explosives were used, including ATM bombings, cash-in-transit heists, and illicit mining activities.
These crimes are suspected to have occurred in the Free State, Eastern Cape, North West, and Gauteng provinces.
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All four suspects are expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 23 February 2024. They will face charges related to contravening the Explosives Act 26 of 1956, as stated by Mathe.
This successful operation marks a significant step towards dismantling criminal networks involved in cash robberies and illegal mining. The police’s swift action and cooperation between different units demonstrate their commitment to maintaining law and order in the country.
