Cops bust ATM bomb syndicate

2008-11-22 11:29

Johannesburg - Five people were arrested and an array of explosives and explosives equipment were seized as a Mamelodi-based ATM bombing syndicate was cracked open, said police on Saturday.

"This has been a long-term investigation with intelligence operatives doing strategic intelligence gathering to collect as more information as possible on a bigger syndicate involved in ATM bombings," said police crime intelligence and Interpol spokesperson Senior Superintendent Tummi Golding on Saturday.

She said members of the covert intelligence collection directorate raided two houses in Mamelodi on Friday morning.

Three men and two women, all South Africans between the ages of 30 and 60 were arrested.

Golding said another arrest was imminent.

Explosive cartridges, a pistol and ammunition, two plastic cups full of explosives and a large variety of other equipment used to make explosives were seized.

"Investigations will continue to identify the source of the explosives," said Golding.

- SAPA