Following a deadly shoot-out between police and armed ATM bombing suspects behind the Lenasia VIS Vehicle Impound today, further investigations have revealed that the suspects are part of a larger syndicate operating in Lesotho, Welkom and Gauteng.

The operation resulted in one suspect being fatally wounded, two wounded and hospitalised, and two arrested. The suspects’ ages range from 22 to 43.

Five suspects fled the scene.

According to an article published by Rising Sun, the deputy national commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, revealed that the syndicate has been linked to multiple ATM bombings in the region.

Notably, two suspects from Welkom (Free State) and Lawley (Gauteng) specialise in explosives.

The police were on high alert after receiving intelligence from crime investigators about the suspected ATM bombings.

The suspects were reportedly preparing to carry out an explosion at a filling station along Randfontein Drive in Protea. A high-speed chase ensued from Protea to Lenasia, ending behind the Lenasia VIS Vehicle Impound.

Since January 2025, 41 ATM bombings have been reported, according to Sibiya.

He says that through collaborative efforts with various SAPS departments, law enforcement agencies and community members, such syndicates will be dismantled.

The police said gangs are being tracked and will be brought to justice.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.