Clarens: Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with an ATM bombing that happened in Clarens in the Free State earlier this week. The seven individuals, aged between 24 and 36, were arrested on Saturday in Ficksburg after the South African Police Service (SAPS) spotted a Toyota Fortuner parked near an ATM at about 1am.
According to South African Government News Agency, two males were seen tampering with the ATM. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee the scene. A vehicle pursuit ensued, culminating in the successful apprehension of the Fortuner’s five occupants, including one woman. All suspects are foreign nationals, and four of them have been confirmed as undocumented immigrants.
The suspects were wanted for allegedly bombing an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens on Tuesday. On that day, four suspects were seen near the ATM just before an explosion occurred, followed by gunfire. Upon receiving the alert, members of the Clarence SAPS responded swiftly.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that explosives had been used to destroy the ATM, and an undisclosed sum of money was stolen. Initial reports pointed to four suspects traveling in a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration plates. This vital information was immediately circulated, and a coordinated manhunt was launched.
The blue Toyota Fortuner has been seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation. The suspects will appear in the Clarens and Ficksburg Magistrate’s Courts in due course. The provincial Serious, Violent and Murder Unit has taken over the investigation, focusing on charges of business robbery and other possible related offenses. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine any links to additional criminal activities.