Suspects in court for ATM bombings, murder and business robbery

Two suspects accused of bombing ATM’s and robbing businesses in the Sekhukhune District appeared in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s court on a string of charges.

According to police the accused -Service Mashilo, 34 and Ben Thobejane ,41 – was arrested in connection with ten serious violent crimes which includes murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies.

ATM MOMBINGS COMMITTED OVER SEVEN MONTHS

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi said the alleged crimes were committed over a span of seven months in the Sekhukhune District.

The duo appeared in the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 12 May, where the case was postponed to 8 July, for a formal bail application and further police investigation.

“Preliminary police investigations further indicated that one of the suspects was out on bail for an ATM bombing case which took place at Mahlakung plaza in the Sekororo area under Maake Policing precinct outside Tzaneen in the Mopani District, during October 2020,” said Seabi.

SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY PART OF A CRIMINAL GANG

Seabi added  that the suspects are believed to be part of a gang of criminals that has been terrorising members of the community, especially the business sector in and around the Sekhukhune District.

They were apprehended at their homes during a tactical, joint intelligence driven operation conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigations Unit, the SAPS Limpopo Highway Patrol Team and members of the Jane Furse police station.

“Several items such as Plasma TVs, clothing, cellphones and a fridge that were reportedly stolen from various retail stores and residences, were recovered during the arrest. The police investigations are still underway,” said Seabi.

Last month Polokwane police arrested five of the “most wanted ATM bombing suspects” during a joint operation in Limpopo.

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