MEDIA STATEMENT Monday, 17 October 2011 HUNT IS ON FOR ATM BOMBING GANG The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Crime Line have released photos of a suspect linked to another ATM bombing gang believed to be responsible for at least eight attacks in Gauteng. The gang of at least ten members has in recent weeks reportedly hit areas such as Florida, Dobsonville, Booysens, Sophiatown, Eldorado Park, Thokoza and Brackendowns. The gang allegedly hit another two ATMs on Wednesday in Toekomsrus in Randfontein. They shot two policemen at the scene and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. One of the police officials is still recovering in hospital “This is a highly dangerous gang that carries R5 assault rifles, AK47s and pistols. CCTV footage shows that they always wear balaclavas. However, during an attack on an ATM in Maraisburg earlier this month, one of the suspects clearly forgot to pull his balaclava over his face and we were able to capture a clear shot of him,” said Gauteng spokesman, Colonel Neville Malila. The CCTV footage clearly shows the suspect entering the garage forecourt, carrying an AK47 with a top that he appears to wear during every attack. “The gang took a JMPD officer hostage during the attack and took his firearm. Luckily, he was not harmed. “We appeal to the public to please take a close look at his face and come forward with information on his whereabouts. Someone, somewhere, somehow knows these ATM bombers. Do the right thing and come forward with information to Crime Line and / or Crime Stop,” said Malila. Detailed tip-offs should be sent to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service or online at www.crimeline.co.za. The public can also call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The pictures are available on Crime Line’s website and Facebook page. Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee has asked the public to ensure they give detailed information when submitting tip-offs. “We want the who, what, when, where, why and how. However, we again warn the public not to approach these men and to pass on information anonymously. “This gang clearly has no qualms with shooting police officials, clearly showing a total lack of respect for the law. Earlier this year we managed to put 9 ATM bombers behind bars, thanks to a collective effort between the public and the police. Let’s squeeze the space for this gang and bring their lawlessness to an end,” said Abramjee. Abramjee said that similiar campaigns, exposing these criminals to the public have yielded phenomenal success and that Crime Line will continue to forge partnerships with the media in spreading their faces as wanted criminals in South Africa. “As much as we want to say it is the sole responsibility of the police to track down these criminals, we as members of the community have a responsibility to be the eyes and the ears of the police. “Crime Line’s successes are a great example of the pivotal role the public can and does play in the fight against crime. Let’s all get involved and ensure a future that we can all be proud of,” said Abramjee, who will next week share the Crime Line success story at the annual Crime Stoppers International Conference in Jamaica. Crime Line and Crime Stop will be representing South Africa at the conference this coming week. Both organisations serve on the CSI Board of Directors and Bring the South African agenda to the international crime fighting stage. (ENDS.) MEDIA ENQUIRIES Colonel Neville Malila SAPS Gauteng Media Liaison 082 411 4030 Yusuf Abramjee Head of Crime Line 082 441 4203 Marisa Oosthuizen Crime Line Coordinator 071 674 5089
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