Two armed suspects killed as police pounced on ATM bombers in Lenasia

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Two armed suspects were fatally wounded and others sustained injuries during the shootout with the police on Thursday in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

This follows a crime intelligence led operation, together with other multi-disciplinary forces.

According to police report, the alleged suspects were wanted for several ATM bombings and other serious crimes in Gauteng and other neighbouring provinces.

The deputy national commissioner for crime detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya said they received an intelligence that the syndicate was planning to hit one of the garages.

“We responded and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department joined the manpower. They had already planted the explosives on the ATM’s, upon seeing the police – they ran away from the scene and we gave chase.

“A shootout ensued between the criminals and the police. Our members managed to shoot one, while the other two are critically in hospital with two more arrested. Five others disappeared, police manhunt has been launched,” he remarked.

Suspects mainly from neighbouring country

Sibiya confirmed that the operations are cross-border with most of the suspects coming from Lesotho, one from Welkom and another from Lawley.

He added; “This is a syndicate that is operating countrywide with focus mainly on ATM’s.”

Sibiya stated that since the beginning of the year, there are forty-one ATM’s that have been bombed.

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“As a result businesses showed concerns and informed the police. We formed a partnership where we are also working with security companies who in this instance informed us on this situation.

“I would like to commended the men and women in blue for showing character in responding to the situation,” he concluded.