eMalahleni – Five suspected ATM bombers were fatally wounded, and one remains hospitalized following a deadly shootout with law enforcement in Overline, eMalahleni, during the early hours of December 2, 2024.
The suspects had been tracked to a safe house in Schoongezicht, eMalahleni, where intelligence indicated they were preparing for an ATM bombing in the Witbank area.
The operation involved a multidisciplinary team comprising the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS) of the Hawks, the SAPS Special Task Force (STF), and Falcon Risk Security.
Acting on intelligence, the team located the safe house where the suspects were reportedly converging.
As the team positioned themselves around the area, they spotted a white Toyota Hilux, which matched the vehicle described in the intelligence.
When law enforcement attempted to intercept the vehicle as it drove out of the safe house, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gunfight in Overline, eMalahleni.
The scene yielded a significant recovery of weapons and explosives, including an R5 rifle, a hunting rifle equipped with a scope, three 9mm pistols, and explosives believed to be intended for ATM bombings.
Investigations are now focusing on the vehicle, the weapons, and explosives found at the scene, but law enforcement is also probing all aspects linked to the case, including the suspects’ past criminal activities, possible accomplices, and other resources used in planning the bombings.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were connected to previous ATM bombings in Limpopo, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga. Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale confirmed, “The suspects fired at the officers, who retaliated, fatally wounding five of them. The sixth suspect was injured and is under police guard in the hospital. Once his condition stabilizes, he will appear in court.”
Lieutenant General (Dr./Adv.) Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commended the coordinated operation and swift response. He stated, “This operation demonstrates the critical importance of intelligence-driven policing. I urge individuals involved in such criminal activities to withdraw immediately.”
Authorities continue to investigate the broader criminal network, including potential links to organized crime syndicates and other criminal activities. The shootout and recovery of weapons serve as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by such groups. Law enforcement remains committed to dismantling these operations, and the community is encouraged to provide any information that may assist in bringing others involved to justice.
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