A white Toyota Etios displaying false registration plates and explosives worth about R160 000 were recovered by police during an operation in Matholesville, Roodepoort.
Image: SAPS
Three Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested and blasting accessories worth an estimated R160 000 recovered during an operation in Matholesville, Roodepoort, which police say targeted a suspected supplier linked to ATM bombings, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and illegal mining.
The suspects, two men and a woman, were arrested on Tuesday after a multidisciplinary team comprising SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Ivory Park Task Team, Gauteng Traffic’s SLEU, private security companies and the West Rand Explosives Unit acted on intelligence about the alleged explosives supplier.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said officers searched a premises in Matholesville where they recovered 88 safety fuses, 62 blasting cartridges and approximately 400 metres of detonating cord.
The items have an estimated street value of R160 000.
The three suspects were arrested and are expected to appear in court soon.
“A white Toyota Etios displaying false registration plates was also seized for further investigation,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The operation was launched after intelligence indicated that the suspected supplier was allegedly providing explosives to individuals involved in ATM bombings, CIT robberies and illegal mining activities.
Police are now investigating whether the arrested suspects are connected to other incidents involving explosives.
The Acting Gauteng SAPS Commissioner, Major-General Fred Kekana, described ATM bombings and CIT robberies as an ongoing security concern in the province.
“ATM bombings and CIT robberies remain a serious threat in Gauteng. This operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between SAPS, private security and other stakeholders in disrupting organised criminal activities.”
SAPS said investigations are continuing to establish possible links between the suspects and other ATM bombing, CIT robbery and illegal mining incidents.
IOL News
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