Seven suspected armed ATM bombers were arrested by the Free State police regarding incidents in Clarens and another attempt in Ficksburg, in the eastern Free State. They are set to appear in the Bethlehem Magistrates’ Court – today, 20 May.
The Free State Serious, Violent and Murder unit is continuing with their investigations into the crimes which occurred days apart. Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the police discovered incriminating evidence during the arrest of the seven would-be robbers. He said probing revealed the men, aged between 24 and 36 years, are foreign nationals. Four have been confirmed as undocumented immigrants.
Kareli said the ATM bombing in Clarens occurred on Tuesday, 14 May, while an attempt bombing was reported on Saturday, 17 May. He said a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration has been seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
“At approximately 00:05 on Tuesday, 17 May, four suspects were seen near an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens. Moments later, an explosion occurred, followed by gunfire. Upon receiving the alert, members of the Clarence police responded swiftly. Preliminary investigations confirmed that explosives had been used to destroy the ATM and an undisclosed sum of money was stolen,” said Kareli. He said vital information circulated led to the suspects’ arrest.
“In the early hours of 17 May, at around 01:00, the Ficksburg police operating under a multidisciplinary approach, spotted the Toyota Fortuner parked near an ATM in Ficksburg. Two males were seen tampering with the ATM. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee the scene. A vehicle pursuit ensued, culminating in the successful apprehension of the Fortuner’s five occupants, including one woman. The two suspects initially found at the ATM were also arrested. Stained banknotes indicative of stolen ATM cash, were recovered from all the suspects and inside of the vehicle,” said Kareli.
He said the ongoing investigations are focusing on charges of business robbery and other possible related offenses. “Further inquiries are ongoing to determine any links to additional criminal activities,” said Kareli.
