Five suspected ATM bombers shot dead in a shootout with police in Emalahleni

[News]

The suspects were fatally wounded in a gun battle in Witbank, early on Monday morning.

Hawks Spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said several law enforcement agencies including the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOM) of the Hawks and SAPS acted on information that robbers who were going to blow up an ATM machine in Witbank.

Mogale said the information was operationalized leading the team to Schoongezitcht in Emalahleni, where the group was reported to be converging at the alleged safe house.

She said the multi disciplinary team were strategically posted to be on the lookout for the white Toyota Hilux received in the intelligence information.

The identified vehicle was spotted driving out from the area and when the team attempted to stop the vehicle, suspects opened fire and a shootout ensued."Five suspects were shot dead and one injured.

A R5 rifle,a hunting rifle with a scope, and three 9mm pistols as well as explosives were recovered on the scene.Mogale said the bakkie in which the suspects were traveling in,is subject to further investigation."

Some reports revealed that 1 suspect is from Dennilton Mpheleng,1 from Dennilton Newstand and 1 from Machipe.