Three suspects aged 39, 41 and 45 are expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on charges related to the possession of explosives.
According to Free State police spokesperson, Sinah Mpakane, police members deployed in the Lejweleputswa District received information from Thabong Crime Intelligence on Monday, 18 May, regarding suspects allegedly carrying explosives.
“It was alleged that the three suspects, two males and one female, were walking along the Virginia road on their way to the Virginia CBD, where they intended to sell the explosives to a buyer who wanted to use them in a cash-in-transit bombing,” Mpakane said.
Police acted on the information and intercepted the suspects, who were reportedly found in possession of explosives contained in a bag.
Mpakane said none of the suspects accepted responsibility for the explosives during questioning. “They started pointing fingers at each other and were all subsequently arrested,” she added.
The following items were confiscated during the arrest:
• 12 green shock tube assemblies
• 5 white blasting cartridges
• 15 yellow detonators
• 1 Vivo cellphone
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon as investigations continue.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
