Ndudi Anyim
Two suspects, Sicelo Gibixhegu, 23, and Neo Madiba, 38, has been arraigned at Moretele Magistrate’s Court in Tembisa, North West Province, South Africa, for alleged ATM bombing and attempted murder.
Security Watch Africa learnt that the suspects were arrested after perpetrating the crime at Dikebu Village, Bedwang, March 5.
A resident, who witnessed the incident, telephonically reported that she heard gunshots and a loud bang from a nearby Automated Teller Machine (ATM), situated in the yard of a supermarket and hardware store.
The police were alerted and when they arrived on the scene, they found that the ATM was blown up.
According to the Provincial Commissioner, SAPS North West Province, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, a middle-aged male, who was at the ATM at the time of the explosion, was shot in the stomach and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
“It is further alleged that four male suspects fired shots and ran into the nearby bushes where they split into two groups after being chased by community members.
“Meanwhile police joined the search and managed to arrest two suspects,” he said.
Kwena, congratulated the community for their brave acts that assisted the police to apprehend the perpetrators.
He said the police will not be successful in apprehending criminals without the community, who are the eyes and ears of the police.
The police chief added that the duo will remain in custody until their next court appearance on Wednesday, March 17.