Four suspects appear in court for failed ATM bombing plan in Siyabuswa
Two electronic detonators, two 400 grams Pentolite Boosters as well as one 12 volts of Ecco battery were found in the suspects' bakkie.
Three suspects appeared in the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court for illegal possession of explosives yesterday following their arrest by police in Siyabuswa.
The trio’s appearance came after police received a tipped off from community members that the suspects were armed with explosives and were planning to commit a crime. According to police, it was reported that the police intercepted the suspects’ plans and conducted an operation to prevent them from a planned ATM bombing.
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“We patiently waited and at around 11:50am, five suspects who were in a bakkie drove closer to the filling station. Upon noticing the police, four suspects jumped off and escaped leaving the driver. He was requested by police to stop the car and a search was conducted. Two electronic detonators, two 400 grams Pentolite Boosters as well as one 12 volts of Ecco battery were found. The 24-year-old Solly Ndala was arrested for possession of explosives. We also launched a manhunt for the other suspects and arrested two of them,” said the police.
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Issac Mhlongo, a 38-year-old man and Bongani Nkabinde were eventually apprehended. The trio was charged with illegal possession of explosives as well as conspiracy to commit the crime. Nkabinde was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition and was charged for possession of illegal firearm and ammunition. The four suspects were given bail and will appear again on February 27 while the 38-year-old man will appear today at the same court.
