Police bust suspected explosives network in Roodepoort
· The South African
Gauteng police arrested three suspects in a Roodepoort explosives bust after officers uncovered a cache allegedly linked to ATM bombings, cash-in-transit robberies and illegal mining.
Police acted on intelligence about a suspected explosives supplier operating from a property in Matholesville on Tuesday, 1 September.
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Officers searched the property and found 88 safety fuses, 62 blasting cartridges and about 400 metres of detonating cord. Police valued the haul at approximately R160 000.
The suspects — two men and a woman, all Zimbabwean nationals — face charges of possession of explosives.
False registration plates found
Officers also seized a white Toyota Etios fitted with false registration plates. Investigators will examine the vehicle as part of the case.
SAPS Crime Intelligence led the operation with members of the Ivory Park Task Team, Gauteng Traffic’s Special Law Enforcement Unit, private security companies and the West Rand Explosives Unit.
The trio face charges of possession of explosives and are expected to appear in court.
Acting Gauteng police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said the operation targeted criminal networks that rely on explosives to carry out serious crimes.
“ATM bombings and CIT robberies remain a serious threat in Gauteng. This operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between SAPS, private security and other stakeholders in disrupting organised criminal activities,” Kekana said.
Wider links under investigation
Detectives are now investigating whether the suspects supplied explosives used in other crimes.
They are also probing possible links to previous ATM bombings, cash-in-transit robberies and illegal mining incidents.
Police have not yet linked the seized explosives to a specific attack.
The investigation continues.