Two ATMs bombed at Sedikila

MECKLENBURG – The only two ATMs at Ga Kgwete’s Sedikila Petrol Station, about 45 kilometres outside Burgersfort were bombed last week, just three days into the new year.

The two ATMs, one belonging to Absa and the other Standard Bank were bombed and damaged.

“We were called to the crime scene at about 02:30 and found a security officer who alleged that he was on duty when he suddenly heard a loud bang and saw smoke and fire emanating from the machines,” said Mecklenburg SAPS spokesman, Sgt Kgalake Mampuru.

According to Mampuru, the police are still hard at work in determining how much money was blown away and how much was stolen.

“We will reveal the details in due course but the estimated value of the damaged ATMs is R2 million,” he revealed. Mampuru pleaded with locals to contact the station on 015-615-0204 with any information.

Meanwhile disappointed clients could be seen milling around the complex on Tuesday morning as forensic specialists and the SAPS bomb squad combed the area for evidence.

A resident who lives nearby said, “We heard a big blast at about 01:30. At first we thought it was the sound of gunfire, but we were surprised to see scores of cops arriving at the petrol station. That’s when we learnt about the bombing.”

She said the incident has inconvenienced hundreds of locals who depend on the machine for cash.