Tebogo Monama
Tebogo Monama
A burnt face, a damaged eye and amputated arms are all that Olebogeng Matlala got after bombing an ATM.
Matlala, 26, and his two friends detonated explosives at a Standard Bank ATM in Bosmont, west of Johannesburg, on June 16.
After bombing the ATM, Matlala approached the machine to collect the money.
But he was unaware that some of the explosives had not detonated. They exploded just when he was about to reach in with his arms to retrieve the loot.
Without taking any money, Matlala's friends took him to Leratong Hospital on the West Rand where he was placed under heavy police guard in the intensive care unit. His arms had to be amputated. Matlala has now been discharged from hospital, and Sowetan went to visit him at his home in Kagiso yesterday.
But Matlala was aggressive and would not talk to Sowetan. But his mother, who refused to give her name, apologised on his behalf.
"It is still hard for me . it is like I was there when it happened."
But the law is not that compassionate. "Once he has recovered, he will be charged and will appear in court," said Sergeant Sanku Tsunke.
Matlala's two accomplices are still at large.
Bits of ATM bomber
Tebogo Monama
Tebogo Monama
A burnt face, a damaged eye and amputated arms are all that Olebogeng Matlala got after bombing an ATM.
Matlala, 26, and his two friends detonated explosives at a Standard Bank ATM in Bosmont, west of Johannesburg, on June 16.
After bombing the ATM, Matlala approached the machine to collect the money.
But he was unaware that some of the explosives had not detonated. They exploded just when he was about to reach in with his arms to retrieve the loot.
Without taking any money, Matlala's friends took him to Leratong Hospital on the West Rand where he was placed under heavy police guard in the intensive care unit. His arms had to be amputated. Matlala has now been discharged from hospital, and Sowetan went to visit him at his home in Kagiso yesterday.
But Matlala was aggressive and would not talk to Sowetan. But his mother, who refused to give her name, apologised on his behalf.
"It is still hard for me . it is like I was there when it happened."
But the law is not that compassionate. "Once he has recovered, he will be charged and will appear in court," said Sergeant Sanku Tsunke.
Matlala's two accomplices are still at large.