ATM bombers were left disappointed after targeting a cashless machine.
Police responded to a report of an alleged ATM bombing at a local filling station in Bolobedu, Limpopo, on Friday, 7 March.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with a security guard who reported that approximately eight male suspects arrived at the premises and bombed an ATM located between shops outside the filling station, just a few meters from a taxi rank.
Limpopo police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Thakeng stated that, as the crime was unfolding, two unsuspecting minibus operators arrived at the scene to begin picking up passengers.
The suspects then began firing shots at them.
“Both minibus operators aged 29 and 41 sustained injuries and were later transported to a local hospital to receive medical treatment, and both are in stable condition,” he said.
Thakeng said following the incident, the suspects fled the scene in a Quantum minibus with an unknown registration number.
“Upon further investigations, it was discovered that the ATM had no money, and the suspects fled the scene with nothing in their possession.”
He said the minibuses were damaged during the shooting incident, and police found several spent cartridges, one ammunition and one projectile at the scene of the crime.
Thakeng said they have launched a search for male suspects responsible for multiple offences committed at a filling station.
He said they comprised contravention of the Explosives Act 15 of 2003, malicious damage to property and attempted murder.
“A manhunt of the unknown suspects is underway, and anyone with information that can assist with the investigations should contact the investigating officer, Colonel Richard Boshomane, on 079 894 5501 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station while police investigations are continuing.”
