Free State Policespokesperson Sergent Mahlomola Kareli said at approximately 00:05 on Tuesday, four suspects were seen near an ATM located at a petrol station in Clarens. Moments later, an explosion occurred, followed by gunfire. Upon receiving the alert, members of the Clarence SAPS responded swiftly.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that explosives had been used to destroy the ATM and an undisclosed sum of money was stolen.

Initial reports pointed to four suspects travelling in a blue Toyota Fortuner with Gauteng registration plates. This vital information was immediately circulated and a coordinated manhunt was launched.

In the early hours of 17 May 2025, at around 01:00, the Ficksburg SAPS—operating under a multidisciplinary approach—spotted the Toyota Fortuner parked near an ATM in Ficksburg. Two males were seen tampering with the ATM. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects attempted to flee the scene. A vehicle pursuit ensued, culminating in the successful apprehension of the Fortuner’s five occupants, including one woman.

The two suspects initially found at the ATM were also arrested, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to seven. Stained banknotes—indicative of stolen ATM cash—were recovered from all the suspects and inside the vehicle.

All seven individuals, aged between 24 and 36, are foreign nationals. Four of them have been confirmed as undocumented immigrants. The blue Toyota Fortuner has been seized as evidence in the ongoing investigation.

The suspects will appear in the Clarens and Ficksburg Magistrate’s Courts in due course. The Provincial Serious, Violent and Murder Unit has taken over the investigation, focusing on charges of business robbery and other possible related offenses. Further inquiries are ongoing to determine any links to additional criminal activities

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