Police carried out an intelligence-driven operation after an ATM bombing reported in the early hours of Wednesday in Dinokana, Zeerust, in the North West.
Police tracked suspects believed to be linked to the incident through a coordinated operation.
Officers followed leads to a house in Magogoe village, near Mahikeng. When they moved in, a shootout broke out between police and the suspects.
During the exchange of fire, police shot and killed three suspects.
Authorities believe that between 10 and 12 people took part in the ATM bombing.
Arrests in ATM bombing, including a police officer
Police arrested five suspects in total, including a serving police officer. The arrests formed part of a wider multidisciplinary operation involving several specialised units.
Those deployed included the National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9 units from Lichtenburg and Mahikeng, Visible Policing, detectives, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), crime scene experts, and traffic officers.
Police recovered high-calibre firearms at the scene.
Strong reaction from police leadership
Major General Dr Ryno Naidoo welcomed the swift arrests and praised the coordination between units.
However, he strongly condemned the alleged involvement of a police officer in the crimes.
He said any officer who engages in criminal activity betrays their duty to serve and protect, and he added that authorities will not tolerate such conduct and will ensure offenders face the full force of the law.
Authorities will soon present the arrested suspects in court on charges including ATM bombing, possession of explosives, and other related offences.
Police are still tracking additional suspects linked to the case.
