Three men arrested after explosives seized near Virginia CBD in Free State

Three suspects aged 39, 41 and 46 are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court following their arrest on charges linked to the possession of explosives in the Free State.

The suspects were arrested near the Virginia central business district after police acted on information reportedly received through Crime Intelligence. Authorities alleged that the explosives were intended to be sold for use in a planned cash-in-transit robbery.

According to preliminary information, police intercepted the suspects near a filling station in Virginia. During the operation, officers searched a bag allegedly found in the possession of the group.

Police reportedly recovered several explosive-related items, including detonators, blasting cartridges, shock tube assemblies and a cellphone. The explosives were immediately confiscated by authorities.

The three suspects were taken into custody and are expected to face charges relating to the unlawful possession of explosives when they appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court.

The South African Police Service has not yet released further details regarding the origin of the explosives or whether additional suspects are being sought. Investigations into the matter are continuing.

The seizure comes amid ongoing concerns around the use of explosives in cash-in-transit attacks across South Africa, where heavily armed criminal groups frequently target security vehicles transporting money.

Police have urged members of the public to report suspicious criminal activity as investigations continue into the Free State case.

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