ATM bombings: Manhunt underway for 5 suspects in Limpopo

Law enforcement agencies have embarked on a search for five unidentified male suspects believed to be behind the recent ATM bombings in the Vhembe district’s Waterval area in Limpopo.

The latest attack by the unidentified suspects was carried out on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from local police.

ATM bombing in Limpopo

According to SA Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the suspects executed their plan without discharging any firearms.

Ledwaba said: “They fled the scene on foot without firing any shots”.

Ledwaba detailed the incident, stating: “The five armed suspects reportedly overpowered the security personnel at the Njhakanjhaka Saseki shopping complex in Bungeni”.

“The guards were held captive while the suspects proceeded to bomb the ATMs,” Ledwaba added.

Manhunt underway

However, it remains uncertain whether the suspects managed to extract any money from the ATMs during the robbery.

As of now, the suspects are yet to be apprehended, and the investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the manhunt.

Shell garage bombed

Earlier this month, the group also stormed a Shell garage in Ga-Rantho.

The men barged in and began shooting while one of the suspects “set their explosives and blasted one of the ATMs,” Ledwaba said.

The suspects were driving a white Toyota Legend 45 and a blue VW Polo, and a shootout ensued as they fled the scene.

Ledwaba said police retaliated, “One of the suspects was shot and fatally wounded in the process while his accomplices evaded arrest”.

Malamulele bombing

Ten suspects were also arrested in Malamulele back in 2022. As reported by SABC News at the time, authorities received a tip off and “acted swiftly”.

Four suspects were arrested in Mpumalanga and six in Limpopo. The gang is reportedly also wanted for attempted murder, car hijacking and attacks on police stations.

The province has been grappling with a surge in violence for several years, with culprits even daring to target the same police station in November 2021.

At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi acknowledged the occurrence of the station robbery when speaking to The Citizen, although specific details about the incident were not disclosed.

READ: Police station in Limpopo ambushed, robbed of firearms