Three bust in Witbank bank heist

Three suspects have appeared in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court after allegedly attempting a bank heist reminiscent of a Hollywood movie plot.

Witbank police station reservist Teenage Mabogaane, 31,  appeared alongside alleged accomplices, Solly Lekgoteone, 44, and Pedi Kgodi, 48,  on charges of burglary and theft after being caught by police in the bank on Tuesday. 

Mpumalanga police spokesman Captain Leonard Hlathi said the suspects were part of a gang that allegedly tried to steal at least R80 000 in coins from the Absa Bank branch in Klipfontein, Witbank, at about 1:30am. 

The suspects are believed to have gained access to the bank by digging a hole through the wall of an adjoining shop which was undergoing renovations.

"They ... broke the door of a shop under renovation and dug a hole in the wall which led to the bank, ripped off the security system which had already sent off a signal to the security company, and took a large amount of cash in coins.

"They took over R80 000 in coins after they failed to open the safe (and put them) inside dustbins which were filled to the brim with the coins."

However, police who had been alerted by the silent alarm, arrested the suspects while they were still in the bank. The others managed to escape.

Hlathi said an Opel Corsa believed to have been used in the crime was recovered  near Witbank.

The three suspects are set to appear in court again on  August 17 to lodge their bail applications.