By Col Adéle Myburgh
SAPS North West Spokesperson
An intelligence driven operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including a police officer, in connection with an ATM bombing incident reported in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, Zeerust.
The arrests follow a multidisciplinary operation that tracked the suspects, leading to a confrontation between police and the suspects at Magogae Village, Mmabatho.
During the shootout, three suspects were fatally wounded.
Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo has welcomed the swift arrests, particularly highlighting the dedication and coordination of the teams involved in bringing the suspects to book.
At the same time, Major General Naidoo has strongly condemned the alleged involvement of a police officer in such serious criminal activities.
He said: “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,” said Major General Naidoo.
The dedicated team consisted of members of National Intervention Unit (NIU) working for Illicit mining operations in North West, Tactical Responce Team (TRT) Mahikeng, K9 Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho Visible Policing (VISPOL), Mmabatho Detectives, Local Criminal Record Centre, DPCI, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management ( CR & CSM), District Detective Coordination, Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) and Provincial Traffic.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges related to ATM bombing, possession of explosives, and other related offences.
The team is currently tracking futher suspects in this matter.
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