Johannesburg - Sixteen people alleged to have been planning to rob a bank in Klerksdorp were arrested on Thursday, said North West police.
Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said the police and the Hawks acted on a tip-off.
“According to the information available at this stage, four suspects were arrested inside the bank and 12 others were arrested inside the suspected stolen getaway cars at the parking area,” Ngubane said in a statement.
“The police managed to recover two AK47 rifles, three magazines and handguns that each of the suspects were armed with.”
The group was charged with attempted business robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
They were expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate's Court soon.
Sapa