Central cops nab suspected ATM bomber
“A search was conducted and they found clothing covered in blood and beneath the clothes, there were two packs wrapped in brown tape. The explosives unit confirmed it as explosives.”
Central police arrested a suspected ATM bomber on Monday, February 27 after he was caught with explosive devices.
The crime prevention team found improvised explosives containing what was later identified as a water gel and detonation fuse (normally used as blasting cartridges) on the 31-year-old male suspect.
“ATM bombings remain a major concern,” said central police spokesperson said Constable Thabang Nkhumise.
“Further investigation will be carried out to see if the suspects are not linked to previously reported cases.”
The crime prevention team is led by Warrant Officer Sophie Samuels and consists of six members.
While doing their rounds in the city centre, the crime prevention team spotted two suspicious men carrying a large paper bag.
When they were confronted by the team members both fled on foot, though police managed to apprehend one of them. The arrest took place at 11:00.
“A search was conducted and they found clothing covered in blood and beneath the clothes, there were two packs wrapped in brown tape,” Nkhumise continued.
“The suspect was instructed to open the items and it was discovered that he was in a possession of homemade explosives. The explosives unit was called to the scene and upon arrival, the two packs were confirmed to be explosives.”
The suspect was later charged after being found to be in breach of the Explosives Act 26 of 1956 section 28 (1)(a) which states “persons found to have explosives on their person” and detained at Pretoria Central police station.
“The suspect is expected to appear at the Pretoria magistrate’s court and tracing of the other suspects is underway,” Nkhumise concluded.
Residents with any information relating to the case are urged to contact local authorities.
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