ATM Bombing Incident Leads to Multiple Arrests in Free State
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with an ATM bombing that occurred in Clarens, Free State, on Tuesday, 14 May.
According to police reports, four individuals were spotted near an ATM at a petrol station shortly before an explosion was heard, followed by gunshots.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that explosives had been used to destroy the ATM and that an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen during the incident.
“Initial information indicated that the suspects fled the scene in a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration plates,” said Kareli. “This critical lead was shared across law enforcement networks, prompting an immediate and coordinated search.”
The same vehicle was later spotted near another ATM in Ficksburg. “Two men were seen tampering with the machine. As officers approached, the suspects tried to flee, resulting in a car chase,” Kareli continued. “The pursuit ended with the arrest of all five occupants of the Fortuner, including a woman.”
The two men initially found at the ATM were also taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to seven. Police recovered stained banknotes—commonly associated with stolen ATM cash—from all suspects inside the vehicle.
4 Undocumented Foreigners in ATM Bombing Scandal
The suspects, aged between 24 and 36, include four undocumented foreign nationals. The Toyota Fortuner has been impounded as evidence.
The Provincial Serious, Violent and Murder Unit has taken over the investigation, which now focuses on charges of business robbery and other potentially related crimes. Investigators are also probing possible links to additional criminal activities.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Clarens and Ficksburg Magistrates’ Courts in the coming days.
Source – Daily Sun