On Thursday 02 August at about 02:30, the police received a tip-off from the community that there were people acting suspiciously at the ABSA ATM situated in Ridder Street, East End, Rustenburg.  Members from different units responded to the call and arrived at the scene within minutes. 

About seven suspects were placed strategically around the ATM and further down the street, giving protection to their partners in crime.  Just before igniting the explosives, members from the Dog Unit in Phokeng arrived at the scene. On arrival, the suspects immediately opened fire with automatic rifles and pistols.  The members, including a female W/Off from the K9-Unit, fearlessly retaliated.  Further Police back-up arrived and, the suspects realized that they were outnumbered.  The suspects fled the scene in what seems to be a charcoal coloured VW Golf GTI or black Audi A4.  The explosives were still attached to the ATM.  The scene was cordoned off and members from the Explosives Unit removed the explosives.

Provincial Commissioner Me Zukiswa Mbombo has expressed her satisfaction on a job well done, especially after a series of previous ATM Bombing incidents in Rustenburg. Members are congratulated on a job well done, especially in view of the fact that August month is “Women’s Month”, the valuable contribution of females in the SAPS is applauded.  “Wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo” – “You strike a woman, you strike a rock” the Provincial Commissioner said.   

A case docket for attempted murder and contravention of the regulations of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act no 26 of 1956) (section 27(1)) was registered and is investigated by Captain Molale from the North West Organised Crime in Tlhabane.  Anyone with information is requested to phone him on: (014) 565 9033 or 082 856 0937 – Const Botheleng (Information co-ordinator).

by Obankeng Maje