Mpho Mabasa, a taxi owner affiliated with the STS Association, is reeling from shock after discovering that his minibus taxi was used as a getaway vehicle in a foiled ATM bombing in Soweto. Mabasa, who had no knowledge of the driver’s alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate, expressed disbelief and frustration over the incident, which has left him entangled in a police investigation.
The Incident
The white minibus taxi, owned by Mabasa, was allegedly used by suspects fleeing the scene of an attempted ATM bombing at an Engen garage in Protea, Soweto, in the early hours of Thursday. The suspects were intercepted by police in Lenasia, where a shootout ensued. One suspect was shot, another critically injured, and three others were arrested. Five suspects remain at large.
The vehicle, now in police custody, was reportedly part of a larger ATM bombing syndicate linked to 41 incidents across the country. Mabasa, however, insists he had no knowledge of the driver’s criminal activities.
‘I Thought I Was Helping a Young Man’
Mabasa explained that he hired the 23-year-old driver on 17 February after a referral from another driver. “He came yesterday, took the vehicle around 4am. After that, I had no idea where he went. I only became aware of what happened when police officials called me, informing me to come to the crime scene,” Mabasa said.
He added, “I thought I was hiring someone to provide a service, but I was clearly wrong. I saw a young man, only 23 years old, and assumed he was just trying to earn a living. I had no idea he was involved in such crimes. It’s unfortunate that I now find myself in this situation.”
The Foiled ATM Bombing
According to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), authorities received a tip-off from the SAPS Crime Intelligence unit about a planned ATM bombing at the Engen garage. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a group of men fleeing the area. A security guard was found with a gunshot wound to his upper right arm, and explosives were discovered attached to an FNB ATM, though they failed to detonate.
JMPD Chief Patrick Jaca praised the tactical response unit for preventing the bombing and apprehending multiple suspects. “The recovery of explosives and firearms highlights the dangerous nature of these individuals and reinforces the importance of our ongoing efforts to combat organised crime,” Jaca stated.
Ongoing Investigations
The taxi remains in police custody as part of ongoing investigations into the ATM bombing syndicate. Mabasa, meanwhile, is left to deal with the fallout of the incident. “I’m shocked and disappointed. I never imagined my vehicle would be used for something like this,” he said.
A Broader Crime Syndicate
The incident sheds light on the operations of a larger criminal network involved in ATM bombings across South Africa. The syndicate, linked to 41 incidents, has been a significant challenge for law enforcement. The arrest of the suspects in Soweto marks a critical step in dismantling this network, but authorities warn that more work is needed to fully address the issue.
Mpho Mabasa’s story is a stark reminder of how easily unsuspecting individuals can become entangled in criminal activities. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough vetting, even in seemingly routine transactions like hiring a driver. For now, Mabasa is left hoping for clarity and justice as he navigates the aftermath of this shocking event.
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Police Hunt for Suspects After Attempted ATM Bombing in Lenasia