NORTH WEST PROVINCE – Three suspects were killed and five others arrested, including a police officer, following an ATM bombing incident in Dinokana, Zeerust, in the early hours of 6 May.
An intelligence-driven operation tracked the suspects to Magogae Village in Mmabatho, where a shootout erupted between police and the suspects. Three suspects were fatally wounded during the confrontation.
The multidisciplinary operation involved members of the National Intervention Unit working on illicit mining operations in North West, Tactical Response Team Mahikeng, K9 units from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho Visible Policing, Mmabatho Detectives, Local Criminal Record Centre, DPCI, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management, District Detective Coordination, Emergency and Medical Rescue Services, and Provincial Traffic.
Major General Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrests and commended the coordination of the teams involved. However, he condemned the alleged involvement of a police officer in the criminal activities.
“The actions of any member of the SAPS who engages in criminality are a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect. Such conduct will not be tolerated, and those found on the wrong side of the law will face the full might of the law,” Naidoo said.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges related to ATM bombing, possession of explosives, and other related offences.
Police are currently tracking additional suspects in connection with the incident.
ALSO READ: Man jailed for 5 years for bomb hoax chaos
