Four suspects, who are believed to be behind a spate of ATM bombings across the province of Limpopo have appeared before the Senwamokgope Periodical Magistrate's Court.
The quartet appeared in court on Monday, according to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
“They were all remanded in custody until Monday, December 9 2024 for profiling and possible bail application,” he said.
The four accused men were arrested on Saturday morning.
“Reports indicate that members of the Limpopo provincial tracking team, provincial investigation unit and SAPS explosives unit, arrested four suspects aged between 33 and 45 for conspiracy to commit crime, possession of prohibited firearms, possession of prohibited ammunition and contravention of Explosives Act,” said Ledwaba.
The arrests came scores of ATM's were targeted in bombings in different parts of the province.
“The four suspects were arrested at Sephukubje village, in the Sekgosese policing area, subsequent to information about the suspects who planned to commit ATM bombings in Tzaneen,” said Ledwaba.
“During the arrest, police recovered items such as three Ruger 44 rifles, 40 live ammunitions, three Expolgel explosives, a number of blasting cartridge explosives, balaclavas and hand gloves, among others.”
On Monday, IOL reported that five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shoot-out with police in Mpumalanga.
Spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the shoot-out happened in the early hours of Monday morning.
Mogale said the team was following up on information received regarding ATM bombings that were to transpire in the Witbank area.
"Information was operationalised leading the team to Schoongezicht in Emalahleni where the group reportedly converged at an alleged safe house."
Mogale said the teams were asked to be on the lookout for a white Toyota Hilux.
"The identified vehicle was spotted driving out from the area and when the team attempted to stop the vehicle, suspects opened fire and a shootout ensued."
Five suspects were fatally wounded and one injured.
"An R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, and three 9mm pistols as well as explosives were recovered on the scene."
IOL