Three arrested after explosives recovered in Roodepoort

Three suspects have been arrested and explosives worth an estimated R160 000 recovered during an intelligence-driven operation in Matholesville, Roodepoort.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, working with private security companies and other law-enforcement stakeholders, conducted the operation on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

According to police, the multidisciplinary team acted on information about a suspected explosives supplier allegedly providing materials to individuals involved in ATM bombings, cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and illegal mining.

Two men and a woman, all Zimbabwean nationals, were found at the premises and arrested after a search uncovered 88 safety fuses, 62 blasting cartridges and about 400 metres of detonating cord.

A white Toyota Etios displaying false registration plates was also seized for further investigation.

Acting Gauteng provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana praised the team, saying the operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration in disrupting organised crime.

Investigations are continuing into possible links to other criminal incidents.