Three people have been arrested after police recovered explosives worth an estimated R160 000 during a raid in Matholesville, Roodepoort, which investigators believe may be linked to ATM bombings, cash-in-transit robberies and illegal mining.

The suspects, two men and a woman, were arrested on Tuesday following an intelligence-driven operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security companies and other law enforcement agencies.

Police said the operation followed intelligence about a suspected explosives supplier who was allegedly supplying criminals involved in ATM bombings, cash in transit robberies and illegal mining.

Members of SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Ivory Park Task Team, Gauteng Traffic’s Strategic Law Enforcement Unit, private security companies and the West Rand Explosives Unit took part in the operation.

The team raided a property in Matholesville where the three suspects were found.

A search of the premises resulted in the recovery of 88 safety fuses, 62 blasting cartridges and about 400 metres of detonating cord.

The explosives have an estimated street value of R160 000.

Police said all three suspects are Zimbabwean nationals.

They face charges of possession of explosives and are expected to appear in court soon.

A white Toyota Etios was also seized after police discovered that it was displaying false registration plates.

The vehicle will be examined as part of the investigation into the alleged criminal activities.

Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said the arrests demonstrated the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and private security companies in tackling organised crime.

“ATM bombings and CIT robberies remain a serious threat in Gauteng,” Kekana said.

He said the operation showed the importance of collaboration in disrupting organised criminal activities.

ATM bombings have become a major concern for police because of the explosives used to force open automated teller machines and steal cash. Cash in transit robberies also frequently involve heavily armed gangs and explosives.

Police have not yet established whether the three suspects are directly linked to specific ATM bombings or cash in transit robberies.

Investigators are now working to establish whether the explosives recovered from the property were intended for use in other crimes and whether the suspects are connected to a wider criminal network.

Their possible links to illegal mining activities are also being investigated.

Police said the investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

The suspects are expected to appear in court after processing by police.

SAPS urged members of the public with information about organised criminal activities involving explosives to report it to law enforcement.