Two suspects, 25 and 26, were arrested for ATM fraud and reckless or negligent driving the first weekend in November.
Members of the West Rand Flying Squad and an official from Standard Bank Forensics were observing ATMs at the corner of Ontdekkers and Beacon Roads for two weeks prior to the arrest. Their observation follows numerous incidents where suspects committed ATM fraud through deceitful card swopping, says Florida Police spokesperson Lydia Dikolomela.
“One suspect offered to assist a man to make an ATM withdrawal but the man refused and left,” says Dikolomela.
The suspect realised he was being watched and immediately rushed to his car and drove away. A male passenger was with him in the car. The squad followed and tried to apprehend them but they accelerated and a chase ensued.
“It is alleged that they drove recklessly at high speeds and skipped red traffic lights and didn’t adhere to stop signs,” says Dikolomela.
The suspects eventually were apprehended at the corner of Highway and Aandblom Streets. They were searched and three ATM cards and an undisclosed amount of money was found.
“One of the cards were reported stolen to us in October,” says Dikolomela.
The suspects appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court. The record will update as the story develops.
