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The South
African Police Services has intensified its search for a group of people
responsible for a spate of ATM bombings across the country and has
requested departments to assist with the distribution of information on
the gang members. The following media release was issued yesterday and
photographs of some of the suspects are attached. People who recognize any
of the suspects can send tip-offs to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service or
online at www.crimeline.co.za<http://www.crimeline.co.za><http://www.crimeline.co.za/>.
The public can also call Crime Stop on 08600
10111.
JOINT
STATEMENT BY THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE (SAPS) AND CRIME
LINE
Embargo: Thursday, 21 July 2011 at 6am
HUNT FOR ATM
BOMBERS INTENSIFIES
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and
Crime Line have issued new photographs of at least four of the gang
members responsible for a spate of ATM bombings, including the recent
attack in Pimville, Soweto during which a police officer was shot and
killed.
The latest pictures were captured on CCTV during an
attack on an ATM in Vryheid, KwaZulu Natal this week. It’s suspected that
the same gang of at least 10 men was responsible for the Soweto ATM
bombing about two weeks ago. They used a white Isuzu bakkie. The gang was
heavily armed.
Gauteng Police Spokesman, Brigadier Neville
Malila: “It appears that the same modus operandi was used in the latest
ATM bombing in KZN. The Isuzu bakkie was abandoned after they attacked the
ATM in Vryheid.
“Police now have four clear photographs of the
suspects. We appeal to the public to please take a close look at their
faces and come forward with information on their whereabouts,” said
Malila.
Detectives are working around the clock, following up on
information and they believe that the release of the “fresh photos” will
assist in bringing the criminals to book.
Police have appealed to
the community to also take a close look at the men’s clothing as this
could assist in identifying them.
Two weeks ago, the SAPS and
Crime Line released CCTV footage of the Soweto bombing. The one suspect
has a limp.
“Information is coming in following the release of
the initial CCTV footage, but we need more. Someone, somewhere, somehow
knows these ATM bombers and cop killers. Do the right thing and come
forward with information to Crime Line and / or Crime Stop,” Malila
added.
Detailed tip-offs should be sent to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS
service or online at www.crimeline.co.za<http://www.crimeline.co.za><http://www.crimeline.co.za/>.
The public can also call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Police
earlier said that a R150 000 award was on offer.
Detectives
suspect that the men travel frequently between Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal,
but they could also be in other provinces.
“They are heavily
armed, brazen, well organized and they are not afraid to kill if
necessary,” Malila said.
Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee has
asked the public to ensure they give detailed information when submitting
tip-offs. “We want the who, what, when, where, why and how. However, we
appeal to the public not to approach these men and to pass on information
anonymously.
“To qualify for the police reward, tipsters will
have to volunteer their names and telephone numbers. We will ensure that
the information is dealt with in the strictest confidence,” said
Abramjee.
He added that the public response to the release of the
CCTV footage two weeks ago “was excellent.”
On YouTube alone
there was some 7 000 views and thousands more have watched the footage on
various media websites, including Crime Line, and the still pictures on
television and in newspapers.
Abramjee has appealed to the
community to take a close look at the latest pictures and to “stand up and
make a difference.”
“Let’s get these thugs arrested without
delay. They are continuing their crime spree and have no respect for law
and order. We are confident that the public will be able to identify some
if not all of them, which will lead to a breakthrough.”
National
Police Commissioner, General Bheki Cele said: “Criminals can run, but they
cannot hide. I remain confident that with the assistance from the public
the police will squeeze the space for these criminals and get them behind
bars.
“We buried the 33-year-old police reservist, Busisiwe
Mehlwana in Soweto on Saturday. Here children are motherless and we’ve
lost a good crime fighter. Now we must do everything to get the killers
arrested,” Cele said.
He said the public should use Crime Line
and Crime Stop to pass on information. “Please come
forward”.
Media Enquiries
Brigadier Neville
Malila – Gauteng SAPS Spokesperson – 082 411 4030
Yusuf Abramjee
– Head of Crime Line – 082 441 4203
Marisa Oosthuizen – Crime
Line Coordinator – 071 674 5089 |
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