10 held for attempted bank robbery

Johannesburg - Ten people were arrested for attempting to rob a bank in Klerksdorp, North West police said on Friday.

The North West organised crime unit of the Hawks, the tactical response team and the special task force made the arrests on Thursday after receiving a tip-off, said police spokesperson Thulani Ngubane.

Four suspects were arrested inside the bank and eight in suspected stolen getaway cars in the parking area. Two suspects were later cleared.

"The police managed to recover two AK47 rifles and three magazines, including handguns."

The investigation would continue and the suspected stolen cars handed back to their lawful owners.

The suspects would appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of attempted business robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo praised the arrests.

"This is evidence enough that the DNA of the 21st police century is partnership policing, when the police and the community play their roles respectively. We would like to encourage more of this partnership," she said.