Five accused were remanded in custody when they appeared in the Brits Magistrates’ Court for negligence causing, explosion and endangering property (ATM Bombing). Bennet Rasike (21), Ernest Maguvo (34), Ernest Chauke (23), Saidi Chauke and Peter Motlhabe (40) will make their second court appearance on Tuesday, 16 February 2021.
It is alleged that a shop owner heard a loud bang from outside of his shop in the early hours of Saturday morning, 6 February 2021, in Itloleng Section, Bethanie. On investigation, he saw four males at the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) which is in the same premises as the shop.
Police who were summoned to the scene, confirmed that explosives were used to explode the ATM.
The long arm of the law caught up with one of the accused later in the evening of the same day. That was after members on patrol came across a suspicious vehicle with only the driver inside and stopped it. The 40-year-old driver was questioned and then taken to the police station for further questioning which revealed that he was a former police officer and used to work at Lethabong.
Consequently, the police found four fifty rand dye stained and damaged notes in his possession when they searched him. The man subsequently led the police to Plastic View informal settlement in Rustenburg where another four accused were arrested. In the course of the arrest, R3 700.00 of dye stained notes were confiscated.
The fifth accused, Saidi Chauke also appeared for additional charges of possession of firearm and possession of six live ammunition and explosives.
The District Commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1- Brits, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape applauded all members involved for their vigilance and commitment that resulted in the arrest.
