A suspected ATM bomber was shot and killed during a shootout with the police in the early hours of this morning in Lenasia. Two other suspects were injured during the shooting and hospitalised under police guard while two were arrested.

BOTCHED ATM BOMBING

According to Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, General Shadrack Sibiya, who was at the scene, the suspects were intercepted after a crime intelligence operation led by SAPS, together with other multi-disciplinary including JMPD, received information of a planned ATM bombing by a group of ten members of the syndicate. Sibiya also said that the group planted bombs at an ATM in Protea, Soweto, but were disturbed by the police. They tried to flee back to Lawley in Lenasia, where they come from. "The suspects, travelling in a white Toyota Quantum, found another team of officers waiting for them outside an abattoir where the shooting happened. During the shootout, one robber was fatally wounded, two were critically injured with one shot to the head, and two others were arrested. Another group of about five suspects fled on foot with weapons and bombs," Sibiya added.

MOST WANTED SUSPECTS

Sibiya added that the suspects are among the most wanted and dangerous criminals in the province. "The alleged suspects were wanted for several ATM bombings and other serious crimes in Gauteng and other neighbouring provinces. They are from Gauteng, Free State, and Lesotho," he said. He also commended all those involved for their bravery in responding to and ultimately foiling the planned ATM bombing in Protea South. "Collaboration between law enforcement and relevant stakeholders such as private security plays a significant role in preventing and combating serious and violent crime in the country," said Sibiya. Five of the suspects fled on foot with weapons and bombs. The police said that they recovered two pistols at the scene.