Suspected ATM bomber killed and others injured in shootout with police in Lenasia [VIDEO]

Police have shot and killed one armed suspect in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

The suspect was fatally wounded on Thursday, while others sustained injuries during the shootout with Lenasia police officers.

Five others fled the scene and are on the run.

Shootout

Police spokesperson Major General Nonkululeko Phokane said a crime intelligence operation led by the SA Police Service (Saps), other law enforcement agencies, the police’s tactical response unit and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) received information about a planned ATM bombing in Lenasia on Thursday morning.

“At the scene, a shootout ensued. One suspect is deceased, four were arrested, two were hospitalised and five others are on the run.

“Police are hot on the heels of these criminals who are wanted for various other ATM bombings in Gauteng and other nearby provinces,” Phokane said.

Phokane said the Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and other senior officers from the Saps are currently at the scene.

Phokane said investigations are continuing.

Suspected ATM bomber killed and others injured in shootout with police in Lenasia. Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya explains what transpired. #Lenasia #Police #Shootout @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/ONInCdYYms

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) March 13, 2025

ALSO READ: Convicted Mozambican fugitive arrested at car dealership in Sandton 

Sandton shooting

The shootout comes a week after three people were shot dead at a restaurant in Sandton, in the north of Johannesburg.

The shooting happened at Solo on Thursday night. Three people were shot and killed, and four others were injured.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili told The Citizen that investigations are ongoing.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that a man came with his bodyguards and wanted to enter a restaurant in Sandton with a firearm, and the restaurant has a no firearm policy.

“So, there was an altercation and a shooting that resulted in three people being killed and four being injured and taken to hospital.

“Two patrons, a security guard and a Community Policing Forum member who was on patrol were injured. The people killed were the man (who wanted to enter with a gun) and two of his bodyguards,” Muridili said.

ALSO READ: Three dead, four injured in Sandton restaurant shooting