25 ATMs 'saved' as Police intercept blasters
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday October 11, 2022 06:00
The Botswana Police Service (BPS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Dipheko Motube on Friday issued a statement stating that the four were collectively found in possession of 128 explosive gels and at least 50 metres of detonating cable.
The police arrested the four Batswana men aged between 28 and 31 on October 5. Three of the four, originally from Xhumo and Mokokwana respectively, were found in possession of seven AEL explosive gels, detonating cable, and a green substance suspected to be dagga estimated to weigh 600 grammes. The fourth man, aged 31 from Serowe, was arrested on October 6.
He was found in possession of 121 AEL explosive gels and a 50-metre detonating cable in the boot of his Mazda Bongo combi. The explosives are suspected to have been used in the commission of a crime, especially ATM and safe blasting.
All four suspects are in police custody and will appear before the Palapye Magistrate's Court today. Officer Commanding No. 2 District, Superintendent Paul Oketsang told this publication that he is proud of the team comprising North and North Central that intercepted what could be a series of ATM blasts.
“The team did an incredible job working together here in Palapye as we established that they were intending to strike at Sefalana in Letlhakane and also Gweta Filling Station. We also established through investigations that with the 50-metre detonating cable, they would be able to blast 25 ATMs and/or safes. This is because, for one blast job, they use a two-metre cable,” Oketsang said.
Oketsang said their troops who are highly motivated have dealt with a similar situation before and are encouraged to keep working hard to protect the lives of Batswana and their properties. “We had an ATM blasting and we later arrested suspects and money was recovered. With the current arrest, it shows there could be other syndicates and we should be steps ahead of them,” he said.
Explosive attacks on ATMs have been on the rise with robbers persistently getting away with large sums of money, something that threatens the banking business.