By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
An intelligence driven operation, conducted on Monday 06 February 2023, led to the arrest of three males that are suspected to be involved in cash-in-transit robberies and the bombing of automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Gauteng.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the suspects aged between 25 and 40 were arrested in Tshwane after they were found in possession of high-calibre firearms that include an AK-47 rifle, scores of ammunition, explosives and stained cash.
“Information received is that the suspects were planning to hit yet another ATM in Tshwane before they were apprehended.
“Police received information about the whereabouts of armed suspects involved in committing business robberies, cash-in-transit robberies and ATM bombings. Several units of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies were mobilized to act on information and arrest the suspects,” Masondo said.
Masondo said the information led the team to a house in Soshanguve where two of the suspects were found.
“Upon searching the suspects and the house, police recovered three firearms which include an AK47 Rifle, shotgun and a pistiol.
“Also recovered were scores of ammunition for various high-calibre firearms, explosives and stained cash. Two suspects aged 40 and 34 were arrested,” he said.
He said the team proceeded to Lotus Gardens in Pretoria, where the third suspect, aged 25, was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and stained cash. He was also arrested.
The suspects are linked to various cases of cash-in-transit robberies, ATM bombings and business robberies committed around Gauteng. The search for other suspects were continuing and those arrested will appear before Pretoria Magistrate Court in due course.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, applauded the team that rounded up the suspects and recovered the unlicensed firearms used in the commission of serious and violent crimes in Gauteng.
He also sent a strong message to the thugs who are still at large.
“The outstanding suspects of the CIT robberies and ATM bombings in our Province must know that the net is gradually closing on them and their days are numbered,” said Mawela.
