“The criminals failed in their attempt to retrieve money from any the machines, but caused damage worth over R30 000” added Captain Ramphele.
Another ATM bombed.
Residents who wanted to use the cash dispensing facilities were left stranded and forced to either endure long queues inside stores or travel further long distances to another shopping centre in the township.
The ATMs in question are a stone throw away from Bolobedu police station, with only one street separating the station from the crime scene.
The complex was marked by a long queue of disappointed faces, who were left no choice but to withdraw money from their accounts using points of sale at the shopping complex’s grocery store.
One of the ATM’S that was bombed.
“We woke up very early and traveled long distances to come and receive our social grants, now we have to wait even longer” said one of the patrons queuing to withdraw money at the grocery store adjacent to the bombed ATMs.
Another said: “They copy these things from what they see on TV, crime is too much these days”
Almost a week later and at the time of going to press, the ATM’s had not been fixed and were still barricaded by police tape, it is unclear as to when repairs are scheduled to begin.
No arrests have been made and investigations are still underway.
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Bertus de Bruyn is based in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. De Bruyn has been employed by Caxton since 2009. After a short sabbatical of two years, De Bruyn is back at the place he called home, Caxton, at Lowveld Media. He is currently the digital content manager, but has 14 years of journalism skills, news editor, and acting editor duties behind his name.
