Eleven members of an alleged automated teller machine (ATM) bombing syndicate were denied bail in Pietermaritzburg.
|||Pietrmaritzburg - Eleven members of an alleged automated teller machine (ATM) bombing syndicate were denied bail in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court on Monday.
Regional magistrate Kevin Leat said that since July 2007, a total of 11 SA Police Service officials, seven security personnel and three civilians had been killed in ATM bombings. Thirty-eight police officers, 12 security officials and 15 civilians were injured.
One of the accused is charged only with crimes relating to an ATM bombing in Greytown. His 10 co-accused face 31 charges, including: three of murder; eight of attempted murder; three of aggravated robbery; the illegal use of explosives; theft; malicious damage to property; and, possession of unlawful weapons, including AK-47s and ammunition.
The court heard that some of these crimes carried heavy sentences. Further, that in the past, accused facing heavy or life sentences had absconded, interfered with State witnesses or committed further crimes.
The case was postponed to July 26. - Sapa