About Three heavily armed suspects were arrested on Thursday at Elukwatini, Mpumalanga.
According to a statement from the SAPS states that plus/minus four (4) suspects attacked Fidelity employees who were loading cash in ATMs at Elukwatini at around 08:00. The suspects did not give the guards any more time as they attacked and detonated their explosives and took cash.
Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of three (3) heavily armed suspects.
Spokesperson for SAPS in Mpumalanga Selvy Mohlala, in a statement, said the suspects tried to flee the scene however there was a chase and shooting between them and police which led to an arrest.
“ The suspects tried to flee the scene in a VW Polo and Police, as well as local Securities, gave chase. During the chase, the suspects started to shoot at the Police and a shootout ensued. One civilian was unfortunately shot by suspects and died.
The suspect drove to a nearby guesthouse where they have booked in. They left the VW Polo and one suspect fled with a Mercedes Benz c-class. Three fled to the mountain and two were arrested whilst one was shot and taken to hospital.
The two aged 23 and 26 were questioned and pointed out two (2) rifles and one pistol which were hidden in the ceiling of the guesthouse”, the statement read.
A total of 102 pieces of ammunition for rifles and 14 for 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of cash, explosives, and other equipment used during the robbery were found.
Amongst the suspects, two are also linked to other cases at Ermelo and KwaMhlanga in which they are due to appear in court soon.
The suspects were charged with business robbery, murder, attempted murder, ATM bombing, unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. They will appear in court soon. The firearms are expected to be taken for ballistic testing.
