Bomb suspects in custody over detonators

Durban - Two ATM bomb suspects remain in police custody after appearing in a Vryheid court on Monday on charges of contravening the Explosives Act.

Sthembiso Buthelezi and Vusumuzi Mbatha were arrested on Wednesday last week after the crime prevention unit allegedly found them in possession of 52 detonators.

The magistrate remanded them until the end of this month while investigations continue.

Police spokesman Thulani Zwane said the investigation would focus in part on whether Buthelezi and Mbatha were linked to any ATM bombing syndicates.

The acting MEC for Community Safety, Sibongiseni Dhlomo, welcomed the arrests. He said Vryheid had experienced several ATM bombings in recent years.

“It is disturbing that dangerous explosives were found that could pose serious danger to the community,” he said on Tuesday.

“I believe that the arrest of the suspects will send a clear message to criminals that the government will never allow this.”

Dhlomo called on the public to be more vigilant and to report to the police any suspicious activity, such as tampering with ATMs or people in possession of explosives.

The Mercury

*This story was edited at 9am on July 11, 2013.