Gauteng police have made a major breakthrough in the fight against ATM bombings.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said two men believed to be part of a gang targeting ATMs were arrested in a raid in Atteridgeville on Wednesday night.
“Police discovered an arms cache consisting of three assault rifles, more than 100 rounds of ammunition for different types of firearms and five 9mm pistols.”
He said R62 000 in cash, two-way radios, balaclavas and hand gloves were also seized.
Police in Gauteng and Limpopo, acting on intelligence, confronted a man believed to be member of a defence force.
“He was found in possession of R62 000 in cash and police proceeded to search his premises and seized three rifles, (two R5 rifles and an R4 rifle) with nine fully loaded magazines,” said Dlamini.
“Further investigation led police to a second suspect who was found in possession of five 9mm pistols and other equipment used to cover their tracks.”
Deputy provincial commissioner for detective services, Major General Vincent Leshabane added: “Everything possible will be done to make sure that ruthless criminals in this province will meet the justice that they deserve.”
The latest ATM bombing was in a financial service shop in the Attlyn shopping centre in Atteridgeville, on Tuesday morning.
Police spokesperson Major Mack Mngomezulu said 12 to 13 armed men bombed an ATM inside the centre at about 09:00.
“The suspects entered the mall and went into the store. They threatened staff members, disarmed the security and told everyone to get down on the floor. They then proceeded to bomb the ATM inside the store. The suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene.”
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