Suspects in murder, ATM bombings remanded in custody

TWO suspects arrested in connection with 10 cases of murder, ATM bombings, safe blasting and business robberies have been remanded in custody, police said.

The crimes were committed in the Sekhukhune District in Limpopo over several months.

Service Mashilo, 34, and Ben Thobejane are expected to apply for bail at the same court today.

Limpopo police spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said they were believed to be a part of a gang terrorising members of the community across Sekhukhune.

“The two are believed to be part of a gang of criminals who have been terrorising members of the community, especially the business sector in and around the Sekhukhune District. We apprehended them at their homes during a tactical Intelligence-driven joint operation conducted by the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigations Unit, the SAPS Limpopo Highway Patrol Team and members of the Jane Furse police station.

“Several items such as plasma TVs, clothing, cellphones and fridges that were reportedly stolen from retail stores and residences were recovered during the arrest,” said Ngoepe.

“The preliminary police investigation indicated that one of the suspects was out on bail for an ATM bombing case at Mahlakung plaza in the Sekororo area under the Maake policing precinct outside Tzaneen in Limpopo during last October.”