Two arrested in Birch Acres, 34 blasting cartridges recovered
Police also found dye-stained money at the property. On July 9 and 10, Kempton Park was rocked by two ATM bombings.
Two people were arrested in Birch Acres on August 2 for being in possession of explosives.
According to Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Barbara-Anne Ferreira, officers received information regarding the location of explosives used in ATM bombings.
Also read: Cashier held hostage during ATM bombing in Spartan
The information led officers to a house in Birch Acres.
On arrival at the property, officers interviewed a 40-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman before searching for the house.
“Thirty-four blasting cartridges with electric detonators were found on the property. Officers also recovered dye-stained money at the house,” she said.
Also read: SECOND Kempton Park ATM bombed in two days
The suspects were arrested and detained at Norkem Park Police Station while an investigation was conducted.
The suspects will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court.
Previously reported
On July 9 and 10 Kempton Park was rocked by two ATM bombings.
On July 10, police responded to an ATM bombing and robbery at the Engen garage on Parkland Drive in Ester Park.
According to Sebenza SAPS spokesperson Sargent Sharon Tsotsotso the incident occurred shortly before 02:00.
“At the time the 26-year-old cashier and one other person were inside the convenience store at the Engen Garage.
“The cashier heard knock at the locked doors when he noticed two men standing at the door,” she said.
Tsotsotso added that one of the men was holding a rifle and the other was holding a pistol and instructed the cashier to open the doors to the store.
“When the cashier opened the doors the two men along with three others entered the store.
Also read: Cashier held hostage during ATM bombing in Spartan
“The two victims were told to lie on the ground while explosives were used to gain access to the in-store ATM and drop safe,” she said.
Two fuel filling attendants on duty locked themselves in an outside kiosk during the ordeal.
“The five suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money and cigarettes.”
This is the second ATM bombing in the area over the last two days.
On July 9, a 28-year-old woman was held hostage while three men bombed an ATM and robbed a fuel filling station on Zuurfontein Road in Spartan.
According to Tsotsotso the incident occurred shortly before 01:00.
“The victim was working as a cashier inside the garage when she heard glass breaking.
“Three men entered the store. Two of them were armed with a rifle and a pistol,” said Tsotsotso.
Also read: Norkem Park ATM bombing: Cashiers heard three explosions
She added that the men demanded the victim hand over her cell phone and kept her hostage while blasting open the instore drop safe and ATM.
“During the incident a newspaper delivery driver arrived at the scene.
“One of the suspects shot at him damaging the window of his vehicle,” said Tsotsotso.
No injuries were reported.
Also read: Thugs get away with cash after bombing ATM in Oakmoor
The suspects fled the scene with three cell phones, cigarettes and an undisclosed amount of money.
