On Thursday (25/05), Welkom’s K9 unit members received a tip-off about suspects carrying explosives and housebreaking devices. A search was then conducted by police members.
The following items were found in the house: One full power gel explosive, one half-used power gel explosive, an angle grinder, four cutting discs, leather gloves, a crowbar, an adjustable spanner (monkey wrench), a flat screwdriver, a sink hole cutter, scissors, three cellphones, five different display phones, torn money notes, a DStv decoder, and two DStv remote controls.
“The preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects can be connected to the safe of a clothing store in Welkom’s central business district (CBD) that was bombed” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
Three foreign nationals were arrested, aged 24, 27, and 46 years, respectively. The three suspects are facing charges of unlawful possession of explosives, possession of suspected stolen properties, possession of housebreaking implements, and illegal immigration with no legal documents to be in South Africa.
The suspects will appear in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court on 29 May 2023.
