A manhunt is underway for five suspects who evaded arrest during a shootout with police in Lenasia on Thursday. The suspected ATM bombers are said to be heavily armed and in possession of explosives.

National Deputy Police Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya has appealed to the public for information that can help in apprehending the suspects.

The group of 10 most wanted and dangerous criminals had already planted explosives at their targeted ATM when they were intercepted by police in the early hours of Thursday.

“These people had already plugged their explosives at the ATMs and the police responded, and when they responded, police gave chase and a shootout ensued between the criminals and the police,” says General Shadrack Sibiya, Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection.

The police have expressed concern over the cross-border operations and the amount of resources at the disposal of these criminals.

“Most of them are from Lesotho. We have one from Welkom and others are from Lawley, locally,” Sibiya added.

One suspect was shot dead, two critically wounded in hospital, another two were arrested on the scene and five more are still on the run after evading arrest.

The foiled attempted crime is due to collaborative work between the targeted businesses and police.

“Since the beginning of January, we have had 41 ATM bombings nationally, and this is a private partnership with the police where we work with people from garages, businesses and private security, police, (and) crime intelligence. We are collaborating to make sure we clamp down on these ATM bombing syndicates,” Sibiya explains.

Police say they know the five suspects who are still at large and have pleaded with the public to come forth with information.