Gang with military training possibly behind ATM bombings: report

A gang of heavily armed, white men, possibly with military training, is thought to be behind a spate of ATM bombings in small towns in KwaZulu-Natal, it was reported on Sunday.

The Sunday Tribune reported that the gang was believed to be responsible for at least four ATM bombings in recent weeks. CCTV footage had revealed that its members were white men

"It would appear that the type of crimes perpetrated by whites has changed and this is a very high profile turn," criminologist Nirmala Gopal told the newspaper.

"Perhaps white people are getting more desperate, considering that they are turning to such violent means."

Research suggested that security experts of police officials were often part of ATM bombing gangs, and that mining industry explosives experts were also sometimes involved.

Captain Thulani Zwane told The Sunday Tribune that the Hawks were investigating the crimes.

He said some arrests had been made, and that those arrested did not have police or military training.

The gang was believed to have carried out ATM bombings in Nottingham Road, Howick, Merrivale and Greytown.

It was also thought to be responsible for murdering Constable Vidhur Jadoo, of the Pietermaritzburg dog unit, and wounding his partner Warrant Officer Livingston Mpangase.