KEY POINTS
- Gauteng police are searching for 30 suspects involved in bombing five ATMs and a shop’s drop safe at a Hammanskraal shopping mall, following a violent shoot-out that left one security guard injured.
- The suspects, who stole a firearm and cellphone from security personnel, escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash, prompting an investigation into attempted murder and ATM bombings.
- The incident highlights the rising trend of ATM bombings in South Africa, with authorities calling for increased security and public assistance to apprehend the suspects.
Gauteng police have launched a massive manhunt for approximately 30 men allegedly responsible for an ATM bombing at a shopping mall in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, in the early hours of Sunday.
The brazen attack, which unfolded in the quiet hours of yesterday morning, has left the community shaken and raised concerns about the escalating trend of ATM bombings in the region.
The incident took a violent turn when a shoot-out erupted between the suspects, police, and private security officers.
One security guard was wounded during the exchange of gunfire and was rushed to a medical care center for treatment. Police have since opened cases of attempted murder and ATM bombings for investigation.
According to police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo, the security guard was conducting routine patrols outside the mall when he was accosted by the suspects.
“The suspects robbed him of his firearm and entered the shopping mall, where they robbed the second security officer of his cellphone,” Masondo said. “It is further alleged that the suspects then bombed five ATMs and broke into one of the shops, where they also bombed the drop safe.”
ATM bombing: Operation was meticulously planned
Timeslive reports that the suspects’ operation was meticulously planned, with the group using explosives to breach the ATMs and the shop’s safe.
The sound of the explosions echoed through the mall, alerting nearby security personnel and residents. As the suspects attempted to flee the scene, they encountered police officers who had been dispatched to the area following reports of the bombings.
“A shoot-out ensued between the police, private security officers, and the suspects. One of the security officers was shot and wounded. He was taken to a medical care center for treatment,” Masondo confirmed. Despite the intense confrontation, no arrests were made, and the suspects managed to escape with an undisclosed amount of cash. Masondo added that “it cannot be confirmed how much money was taken from the ATMs and the shop.”
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and business owners, who are calling for increased security measures in the area.
ATM bombings have become a growing concern in South Africa, with criminals increasingly targeting cash machines using explosives.
According to recent crime statistics, Gauteng province has seen a significant rise in such incidents, with criminals often operating in large, well-organised groups.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward.
Police have also increased patrols in the area and are working closely with private security firms to prevent further attacks. Meanwhile, the wounded security guard is reported to be in stable condition and recovering from his injuries.
