Police reports state the suspects were cornered at their safe house in Magogoe, Mahikeng, where a shootout ensued between law enforcement and the suspects on Wednesday (6/5). Authorities say more details are expected as investigations continue.

The latest incident comes amid heightened efforts by police to clamp down on ATM bombing syndicates in the province.

Seven suspects, between 30 and 58, were arrested in Klerksdorp in March after authorities foiled a planned ATM bombing in the CBD. Special task force members, the Hawks’ tactical operations management section, and other role players were involved in the operation.

The Hawks’ team acted on intelligence regarding the planned attack, said national spokesperson Katlego Mogale. “A rifle, a pistol and explosives were recovered.

“The suspects will be charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.”

Police previously linked ATM bombings in North West to organised criminal networks. In 2022, a member of the Rustenburg tactical response team and a co-accused were arrested for allegedly bombing an ATM at a filling station on the R510 road near Mogwase, outside Rustenburg.

Failing to access the ATM’s cash container, the four accused reportedly took an undisclosed amount of money from a cash register before hijacking a vehicle and a motorcycle as they fled the scene.

Authorities later tracked the suspects across several locations, leading to arrests in Sondela informal settlement, Boitekong, and Tlhabane.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs

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