Policeman and eight ATM bomber suspects killed in gun battle

Eight suspected ATM bombers and a police officer were gunned down in an exchange of fire in Hammarsdale‚ outside Pietermaritzburg in the early hours of Monday morning.

The police officer was a member of the elite National Intervention Unit.

Sources said officers from the unit had intercepted the gang which was believed to have been on the way to raid an ATM. Explosives are believed to have been found in their possession.

Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele was not available for comment. He asked for time to gather information.

This is a developing story.