In the run-up to the festive season ATM bombings, specifically in shops, seem to be on the increase in Krugersdorp.
On 26 September six armed suspects ordered employees and customers of a fruit and vegetable shop to lie down on the floor before blowing up an ATM inside the shop at the corner of Grey Street and Albertina Sisulu Road in Lewisham.
Thsepiso Mashale, Krugersdorp Police spokesperson says the suspects went to the back of the shop where they used explosives to blow up the ATM. “After blowing up the machine they fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.
” It is alleged that the suspects fired shots outside the shop before taking off in a white Corsa bakkie with registration number SKV 893 GP.”
After a second ATM bombing inside a supermarket in Kenmare on 14 October members of the CPF, EPR and the police dog unit were on scene to clear the area of potentially dangerous explosive material and to gather evidence in an effort to trace the suspects who had fled the scene.
On Friday 17 October a third bombing at a shop in Krugersdorp West close to a primary school was reported. “Although at this stage police can not confirm whether the cases are linked, investigations are under way. In the meantime resident are urged not to use in-store ATMs ,” says Krugersdorp SAPS spokesperson Tshepiso Mashale.
Anyone with more information that can help track down the perpetrators behind any of these bombings is urged to contact the Krugersdorp Police Station on 011 951 1150.
