Eight offenders were killed in a gunfight after police in Gauteng and Mpumalanga thwarted an ATM bombing and cash-in-transit heist over three days.

Law enforcement agencies confiscated an AK-47, R5 rifles, 9mm handguns, explosives, ammunition, and possibly stolen vehicles during these incidents.

In the early hours of Monday, five suspected ATM bombers were fatally wounded, and one was arrested in a shootout with the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS) of the Hawks, the SAPS Special Task Force (STF), and Falcon Risk Security in Emalahleni, Witbank.

The team acted on intelligence regarding an impending ATM bombing in the Witbank area, leading them to Schoongezicht in Emalahleni, where the suspects were reportedly gathered at a safe house.

The Hawks stated that the multi-disciplinary team was strategically positioned to monitor a white Toyota Hilux mentioned in the intelligence report. When the vehicle was spotted leaving the area, police attempted to stop it, but the suspects opened fire, resulting in a shootout.

An R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, and three 9mm pistols, along with explosives, were recovered at the scene. The bakkie used by the suspects is under further investigation.

Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the DPCI, commended the efforts of TOMS and STF.

He warned potential robbers to refrain from such activities, stating: “These behaviours always attract dire consequences. The team shall always be on alert.”

On Sunday, The Star reported that Gauteng police successfully prevented a cash-in-transit robbery in Kwa-Thema, Ekurhuleni, on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three suspects during a shootout.

Police confirmed that three additional suspects were arrested, and two rifles, a pistol, and loaded magazines were seized.

According to Gauteng Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, crime intelligence had received information about a group planning a cash-in-transit robbery. The suspects were reportedly meeting at a safe house in Kwa-Thema.

A multi-agency team, including the SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Crime Detection, and Counter Intelligence, was activated to intercept the suspects.

As the team approached the safe house, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout. Two suspects were fatally shot at the safe house, while a third was killed a few metres away. Six other suspects managed to escape.

Police seized two Toyota Hilux bakkies used by the suspects, one of which had false registration plates and was reported hijacked in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga.

In another operation, police and their crime-fighting partners seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth over R66 million in Johannesburg. Four Malawian nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.

The operation was led by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, joined by various agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs and South African Revenue Services (SARS).

Executing a search and seizure warrant, the team targeted a shopping mall and a self-storage facility in Johannesburg CBD.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed the seizure of over 190 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including clothing, cosmetics, and illicit pharmaceuticals.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture assisted in identifying dangerous products to address foodborne illnesses.

“The SAPS, along with its partners, is committed to eradicating the illegal trade in counterfeit and illicit goods to safeguard consumers and the economy,” Van Wyk stated.

The Star

ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za