By Anita Dangazele
- A 53-year-old suspect was arrested soon after the attack and police recovered explosives, a vehicle and money stained with security ink.
- Police believe the same syndicate is behind recent ATM and filling station bombings in Buffalo City Metro, including one near King Phalo Airport.
Four ATMs were bombed at a supermarket complex in Dimbaza, Eastern Cape, on Friday morning.
Police said the suspects escaped with an undisclosed amount of money. Soon after, a 53-year-old man was arrested and faces charges of business robbery, attempted murder, robbery with a firearm and contravention of the Explosives Act.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said explosives, a car and money stained with security ink were seized. “Upon receiving the report, the Dimbaza Station Commander, together with crime prevention and community service officers, immediately responded,” she said.
The suspects fled in three cars towards Qonce. While police were still at the scene, another report came in from the N2 near Makhanda. A suspect was caught by Mdantsane patrols and the Qonce Flying Squad. A blue Toyota RunX was confiscated.
Later, a red Volkswagen Polo used by the gang was found abandoned near Tamara after a crash. Police secured the car while the search continues for the remaining suspects and a third vehicle.
The incident follows a string of similar crimes in the Buffalo City Metro. On Thursday, a heavily armed gang robbed a filling station between Qonce and Mdantsane. Last week, four masked gunmen bombed ATMs near King Phalo Airport, where a bystander was shot dead.
In July, the Engen Buffalo River One Stop in Qonce was robbed, and earlier this year more than 10 armed men bombed four ATMs at a Peddie Engen garage.
Police said they are following strong leads and expect more arrests.
Pictured above: Four ATMs were bombed at a supermarket complex in Dimbaza early on Friday.
Image source: Facebook
