Emalahleni: Five suspected ATM bombers have been killed and one arrested during a shootout with police in Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga. The suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS) of the Hawks, the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF), and Falcon Risk Security in the early hours of Monday.

According to South African Government News Agency, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, stated that the team was following up on information received regarding a potential ATM bombing in the Witbank area. “Information was operationalised leading the team to Schoongezicht in Emalahleni where the group was reported to be converging at an alleged safe house. The multi-disciplinary team were strategically posted to be on the lookout for the white Toyota Hilux received in the intelligence information.”

Lebeya explained that the identified vehicle was spotted driving out
from the area, and when the team attempted to stop it, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout. Five suspects were fatally wounded, and one was injured during the exchange. Authorities recovered a R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, three 9mm pistols, and explosives at the scene.

The bakkie in which the suspects were traveling is under further investigation. Lebeya praised the efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved, emphasizing the importance of continued vigilance. “A call is made to potential robbers to withdraw from such activities as this always attracts dire consequences. The team shall always be on alert,” Lebeya remarked.