A critically wounded 30-year-old security officer is fighting for his life in a Bloemfontein hospital. This is after he was shot by a member of an armed group of robbers during the bombing of an ATM machine at a fuel station in MacGregor Street, in Bloemfontein’s East End industrial area.
The police said the armed criminals ambushed the security officer during the ATM bombing on Saturday (15/04) at about 00:47.
Lt. Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the police in the Mangaung Metro, said the unidentified man sustained gunshot wounds to his upper abdomen and left hand.
He said the injured officer was found alive in the event of the syndicate using explosives to damage the machine, thereafter taking an undisclosed amount of money. He said the bombers also fired shots at the police members who responded to the crime.
Covane said intelligence-driven information led to the arrest of eight out of 15 male suspects in Namibia, Bloemfontein, hours after bombing the machine.
He said police members confiscated a Kia used as the getaway vehicle with a Gauteng number plate registration, and two unlicensed 9 mm firearms plus live ammunition. The suspects, aged between 25 and 40 years, are remanded in custody after a brief appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court yesterday – Monday, 17 April.
Covane said the investigation is ongoing, especially surrounding the vehicle and firearm used, as well as the search for the other seven accomplices who are on the run.
