ARRESTED ZEERUST CIT PLOT ATM BOMBERS ARE FROM ORCHARDS!
Two suspects from Orchards and Mabopane have been arrested in Zeerust in connection with an attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) heist, marking a major breakthrough in a broader case that has already seen three suspects shot dead during a police confrontation.
The duo are believed to be the remaining suspects from a group of five linked to violent criminal activities in the North West.
Their arrest follows a high-intensity, intelligence-driven operation by law enforcement agencies.
According to police, the operation initially unfolded after an ATM bombing incident that took place in the early hours of the morning in Dinokana, near Zeerust.
Investigators swiftly mobilised a multidisciplinary team, tracking down the suspects to Magogae Village in Mmabatho.
It was there that the situation escalated into a shootout between police and the suspects.
Three of the five suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange, while two managed to evade immediate arrest.
Authorities have now confirmed that those two fugitives, originating from Orchards and Mabopane, have since been apprehended in Zeerust, effectively bringing the number of arrested suspects in the case to five.
Among those arrested is a police officer, a development that has sparked serious concern within law enforcement ranks.
North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the arrests and praised the coordinated efforts of the various specialised units involved.
He emphasised that the swift action demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in tackling organised crime.
Naidoo did not hold back in condemning the alleged involvement of a police officer in the crimes.
“The actions of any member of the SAPS who engages in criminality are a betrayal of the oath to serve and protect.
“Such conduct will not be tolerated, and those found on the wrong side of the law will face the full might of the law,” he said.
The operation brought together a wide range of specialised units, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU), Tactical Response Team (TRT) Mahikeng, K9 units from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Mmabatho Visible Policing (VISPOL), local detectives, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Crime Scene Management, and Emergency and Medical Rescue Services, among others.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing multiple charges, including ATM bombing, possession of explosives, and links to attempted CIT robbery activities.
Authorities have indicated that investigations are ongoing, with teams actively pursuing additional suspects who may still be at large.
This case highlights the persistent threat posed by organised cash-related crimes in the region, particularly ATM bombings and CIT heists, which often involve heavily armed syndicates.
Police have reiterated their commitment to dismantling these networks through coordinated operations and community cooperation.