The 29-year-old Ildo Genito Monjan made a brief appearance on Thursday, 28 April 2022, before the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of ATM bombing, business robbery and attempted murder.
It is alleged that on Monday evening, 25 April 2022, police swiftly responded after being informed of an ATM bombing and business robbery that took place at Mam’s filling station in Vryburg.
Reportedly, one of the five suspects entered the shop, fired shots and threatened the clients while his accomplices planted explosives on the ATM that was subsequently blasted and cash stolen.
Consequent to information received at the scene, a joint search operation by different units was launched. The operation led to spotting of a suspicious looking white Volkswagen Golf 5 vehicle with Lesotho registration number along the N14 road in the direction of Delareyville.
The driver was allegedly instructed to pull off the vehicle, but he sped off. A high speed car chase ensued as a result. The said vehicle stopped along the way and four suspects alighted and ran into the bushes, but one of them was arrested.
However, the driver of the suspected vehicle kept on fleeing and the chase continued until near Matlosana Mall in Klerksdorp where he stopped the vehicle, got off and disappeared into the bushes.
Upon searching the vehicle, police found a plastic bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash as well as explosives.
Meanwhile, Monjan has been remanded in custody and is expected to reappear at the same court on Tuesday, 3 May 2022, for a formal bail application.
The search for other suspects is underway and investigation into the matter continues.
