2 arrested, BMW SUV seized after robbers flee with ATM

The pair and three others held staff at gunpoint at a filling station near Secunda on Friday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the heavily armed men arrived at the filling station at around 02:00.

Some of them were wearing police bulletproof vests.

“The suspects, who were armed with rifles, tied employees and detached the ATM, loaded it on a trailer and towed it away.

“The incident was reported to police who swiftly responded and activated their resources in search of the suspects.”

Police later spotted a BMW X3 matching the description of the wanted vehicle.

“A high-speed chase ensued until the BMW was brought to a halt near Morgenzon. Inside the vehicle, police found number plates and tools to remove the ATM.

“The suspects were arrested, and the vehicle confiscated. The car will form part of the investigation. The two men are expected to appear in court on Monday.”

Mdhluli said they were looking for the remaining suspects.

Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela applauded officers for their swift reaction.

“We appreciate the work done. We plead with the public to assist with information about the suspects and the stolen ATM. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to book, together with the firearms used,” Manamela said.

NEWS24.COM