The suspects were reportedly cornered at a safe house in Magogoe, where a gun battle broke out between law enforcement officers and the group on Wednesday (6/5). Emergency services personnel declared three suspects dead at the scene.

“Pathology and crime scene experts are currently processing the area where suspects were fatally wounded, with the corpses and exhibits, including firearms, an undisclosed amount of money, and explosives, to be removed once investigations are done,” said acting North West police commissioner, Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo.

Police believe the group involved in the Zeerust ATM bombing consisted of between ten and twelve suspects. They were tracked by a specialised law enforcement unit.

“Unfortunately, they already committed the ATM bombing before they could be stopped, but then the unit chased them from Dinokana in Zeerust, and we managed to arrest some of the suspects on the way. Two are in custody,” added Naidoo.

“The unit followed through with the rest of the suspects up to this location, and whilst waiting for additional back up, the suspects engaged police in the shooting of high-calibre firearms, and obviously police officials had to defend themselves, resulting in three suspects fatally wounded.”

Authorities confirmed one of those arrested was a police officer. “We are currently questioning him about his involvement, and we are still determining if there are other members involved,” Naidoo said.

Police have launched a search for the remaining suspects while investigations continue.

While cash-in-transit and ATM bombings do occur in the province, said Naidoo, the numbers remain lower compared to other regions. He highlighted recent successes in tackling such crimes, including the arrest of seven suspects in Klerksdorp two months ago.

He credited community members for assisting police efforts. Information received through tip-offs has played a key role in tracking suspects and disrupting criminal activities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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