Lenasia: One armed suspect was fatally wounded, two are hospitalised and under police guard, two are arrested, and five suspects are still on the run. This follows a shootout with the police in Lenasia in the early hours of this morning.

According to South African Police Service, a Crime Intelligence operation led by the SAPS, together with other multi-disciplinary forces, including SAPS Tactical Response Unit and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), received information of a planned ATM bombing by a group of a 10-member syndicate who are amongst the most wanted and dangerous criminals in the province.

The alleged suspects were wanted for several ATM bombings and other serious crimes in Gauteng and other neighbouring provinces.

The Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, commended all those involved for their bravery in responding to and ultimately foiling the planned ATM bombing in Protea South. Lt Gen Sibiya emphasized the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and relevant stakeholders, such as private security, in preventing and combating serious and violent crime in the country.