Maake ATM bombing: Police detective among seven more suspects arrested

LIMPOPO – The police have arrested seven more suspects, including a 41-year-old police detective, for their alleged involvement in the ATM bombings in Maake on Wednesday, 28 October, bringing the total of people arrested to ten. 

According to Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the latest arrest was affected during the ongoing joint operation between police units and private security members which was launched following the bombing of multiple ATMs and drop safes at the Mahlakung Mall in Ga-Sekororo area outside Tzaneen.

Read more: 3 suspects nabbed following ATM bombing in Maake

The first three suspects, two women and a man, were arrested at a house in Worcester village, a few kilometers from the crime scene yesterday afternoon. Explosives believed to have been used during the blasts, as well as two getaway vehicles (two sedans), balaclavas and hand gloves were confiscated.

The latest arrest comes after the police received a tip-off from members of the community about the location of the remaining suspects. “The suspects were spotted travelling along the R36 road towards Burgersfort, the police reacted and vehicle chase ensued. The seven suspects, including the police officer who was driving the vehicle, were arrested,” Ngoepe explained.

Two firearms, an undisclosed amount of money, believed to be part of the money stolen during the bombings, and the vehicle were confiscated.

All ten suspects are expected to appear in the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court soon on charges related to ATM bombing, Contravention of the explosives Act, possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition and the possession of suspected stolen goods.

Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba has hailed the swift arrest of all ten suspects by the teams. He further warned corrupt police officers that the net is closing on them and soon, they will all be behind bars.