They were arrested following a coordinated operation by law enforcement agencies, while three additional suspects were shot and killed during a gun battle at a safe house in Magogoe on Wednesday.

The group allegedly responsible for the Zeerust ATM bombing apparently number between ten and twelve. They were tracked by a specialised law enforcement unit. The suspects are facing charges related to ATM bombing, possession of explosives, and other related offences.

The arrests were the result of a multi-disciplinary effort involving several specialised units. The team is continuing to track down further suspects linked to the case, said North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh.

The team included the national intervention unit working on illicit mining operations in the province, the tactical response team in Mahikeng, K9 units in Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho visible policing, Mmabatho detectives, the local criminal record centre, the directorate for priority crime investigation (Hawks), criminal record and crime scene management, district detective coordination, emergency and medical rescue services, and provincial traffic.

North West police commissioner, Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the swift arrests, praising the dedication and coordination of the teams involved in bringing the suspects to book. He strongly condemned the alleged involvement of a police officer in the criminal activities.

“The actions of any member of the SAPS who engages in criminality are a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect. Such conduct will not be tolerated, and those found on the wrong side of the law will face the full might of the law.”

While cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings do occur in North West, Naidoo noted the province continues to record lower numbers compared to other regions. He pointed to recent successes in combating such crimes, including the arrest of seven suspects in Klerksdorp two months ago.

He credited community members for assisting police efforts, highlighting that information received through tip-offs has played a critical role in tracking suspects and disrupting criminal activities.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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