The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed the arrest of three heavily armed suspects at Elukwatini on Thursday 3 February 2022.
According to our information, plus/minus four suspects attacked the employees of the Fidelity Guard who where loading cash at the ATMs in one of the pay points at Elukwatini at around 08:00.
The suspects then detonated the explosives and took cash.
They then tried to flee the scene in a VW Polo and the Police and the 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 suspects 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 where questioned and pointed out two rifles and one pistol which were hidden in the ceiling of the guesthouse.
A total of 102 ammunition for rifles and 14 for 9mm pistol were also found.
The police also found an undisclosed amount of cash, explosives, and other equipment used during the robbery.
The two suspects are also linked to other cases at Ermelo and KwaMhlanga in which they are due to appear in court soon.
The suspects are charged with Business Robbery, Murder, Attempted Murder, ATM Bombing, Unlawful possession of explosives, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunitions. They will appear in court soon.
The firearms will be taken for ballistic testing.
The Provincial Commissioner has applauded the members of the Gert Sibande Highway Patrol, Elukwatini Detectives, Vispol, the local Security Pompanies and community for the sterling job done.
