By Thys Khiba – Free State police have arrested 8 out of 15 suspects for allegedly bombing Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) in MacGregor Street, East End Industrial Area near Bloemfontein on Saturday.
This comes after police received a shooting incident complaint in MacGregor Street, East End at about 00:47.
“The Flying Squad patrol vehicle was despatched to attend at about 00:47 and as the police approached the scene, shots were fired at them by fleeing suspects.
“The patrol vehicle stopped at the filling station and found the 30-year-old male lying on the ground with gunshot wounds on the upper abdomen and left hand,” said Free State police spokesperson Lt Col Thabo Covane.
The Automatic Teller Machine was damaged.
An Armed Response Security Company Officer was also shot on the abdomen and was rushed to the Bloemfontein hospital.
15 males arrived at the filling station and used explosives to bomb the ATM.
7 suspects are still on the run after bombing an ATM at a fuel station and fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of money early Saturday morning.
“Intelligence led information was operationalised and it led the team to Namibia section in Mangaung where eight male suspects aged between 25 and 40 were arrested and the getaway vehicle, a Kia with GP registration numbers, was found,” said Covane.
saps police
Two unlicensed firearms with live ammunition were also found hidden in the vehicle.
“Police are searching for more suspects and any member of the public who can assist the police with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects is requested to contact Colonel Bolsiek on 082 466 8530. Alternatively the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or members of the public can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111.”
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 April 2023, for attempted murder and ATM bombing.
Free State Central News
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