The events unfolded in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, near Zeerust, after an ATM was blown up there. (Photo: Provided)
A multidisciplinary police operation in the North West ended in a bloodbath on Wednesday morning when three suspected ATM robbers were shot dead and five others, including a police officer, were arrested.
The events unfolded in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, near Zeerust, after an ATM was blown up there. Members of the police’s National Intervention Unit (NIU), which had already been deployed in the province to fight illegal mining operations, were already on the suspects’ trail.
Col. Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson, confirmed that the suspects were chased from Zeerust to a hideout in Magogoe, Mahikeng.
“While police officers were waiting for assistance at the residence in Magogoe, the suspects opened fire on them with high-caliber weapons. The police had to defend themselves, which resulted in three of the suspects being fatally wounded.”
She says five suspects have already been arrested and the rest are still being sought. The police also seized firearms, explosives and an unknown amount of cash.
“The operation was carried out by a joint team consisting of members of the NIU, the tactical response team (TRT) in Mahikeng, the Falcons, the dog unit of Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho visible policing (Vispol), detectives from Mmabatho, the local criminal records centre, criminal records and crime scene management, district detective cooperation, emergency and medical rescue services and the provincial traffic service.”
Five suspects have already been arrested and the rest are still being sought. (Photo: Provided)
Maj. Gen. Ryno Naidoo, the acting provincial police commissioner in North-West, says that between ten and 12 suspects were presumably involved in the incident.
He confirmed that a police officer is among the five suspects who were arrested in connection with the incident.
“The officer is currently in custody and we are still trying to determine if there were any other members involved.”
He strongly condemned the possible involvement of the police officer.
“The involvement of any police officer in criminal activity is a serious betrayal of the oath taken to serve and protect. Such conduct will not be tolerated, and those who commit it will be held accountable.”
Although the bombing of ATMs is not that common in the North West, Naidoo says the police are working hard to curb this crime.
“We are taking precautions, and with the help of communities we hope to eradicate this crime. Information from the community plays a key role.”
The five suspects who were arrested are expected to appear in court soon on charges that include blowing up ATMs, possession of explosives and other related offences.
(Photo: Provided)