18-05-2025
7 arrested after Clarens ATM bombing and police chase
Police have arrested seven suspects in connection with an ATM bombing in Clarens, Free State, earlier this week.
The seven individuals, aged between 24 and 36, were arrested in Ficksburg yesterday after SAPS officers spotted a Toyota Fortuner parked near an ATM at about 01:00.
'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,' police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said in a statement.
All suspects are foreign nationals. Four of them have been confirmed as undocumented immigrants.
The suspects were wanted in connection with the bombing of an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens, on Tuesday.
On the day four suspects were seen near an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens. Moments later, an explosion occurred, followed by gunfire. Upon receiving the alert, members of the Clarens 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 travelling in a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration plates. This vital information was immediately circulated and a co-ordinated manhunt was launched,' SAPS said.
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 offences. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine any links to additional criminal activities,' Kareli said. –
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