Central SA
Three arrested for ATM bombing to apply for bail─── 07:03 Tue, 14 Feb 2023
The Atamelang Magistrates’ Court in North West postponed the case against 28-year-old Nkosingiphile Nkomo, 28-year-old Phalani Malei and 26-year-old Pule Mahlatsi to 20 February 2023, for a formal bail application.
The trio is facing charges of alleged damage to essential infrastructure, possession of explosives, possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm.
Police reports revealed that Nkomo and Malei, who are both from Randfontein, were arrested on Wednesday, 8 February 2023, at Madibogo village outside Mahikeng. This was after members of Setlagole and Madibogo police stations, as well as Mahikeng Crime Intelligence, followed up on information regarding suspects wanted for the bombing of an automated teller machine (ATM).
They allegedly exploded two ATMs in a complex on Tuesday, 6 February 2023, and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Following this incident, police spotted a suspicious vehicle in Madibogo village, leading to a car chase. The suspects' vehicle ultimately stopped, and two males were arrested.
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Further investigations led the team to a house in Dikgatlhong, where explosives, a firearm, ammunition, and other items were recovered. With the arrival of Mahikeng Tactical Response Team members, the hunt for more suspects led the team to a house at Madibogo RDP where ink-stained notes were recovered. Police investigations also led to the arrest of Mahlatsi.
Investigations are still underway to arrest more suspects.
The three will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.
