Three arrested over series of ATM bombings in Mpumalanga
Three suspects aged between 20 and 38 are due in the Evander Magistrate's Court after arrests linked to ATM bombings across Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga police have arrested three suspects in connection with a series of ATM bombings reported in six communities across the province.
The South African Police Service said members of a cold-case investigation team arrested the suspects, aged between 20 and 38, after an investigation into attacks in Leslie, eMbalenhle, Bethal, Witbank, Vosman and Phola.
The three are expected to appear in the Evander Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Police described the arrests as a breakthrough in cases that had been investigated across several towns. SAPS had not published a full list of charges, the dates of the individual attacks or the value of money allegedly taken at the time of publication.
The arrests do not amount to convictions. The state will have to place the charges before court, and the allegations against each suspect will be tested through the criminal process.
ATM bombings can damage banking infrastructure and interrupt cash access in communities that rely on a limited number of machines. Investigations may involve explosives experts, organised-crime detectives and the tracing of vehicles or money linked to an attack.
Police did not indicate whether further arrests were expected. More detail is likely when the accused make their first court appearance in Evander.