Criminals bomb ATM at KaMhlushwa garage
Thabethe Garage was turned into a crime scene early on Monday morning when a group of armed suspects bombed a Capitec ATM in an attempt to get cash.
KAMHLUSHWA – According to Const Zithulele Mhlongo of KaMhlushwa SAPS, police received a call around 02:30 on Monday from an employee of Thabethe Garage reporting that they were being robbed.
The employees reportedly spotted the suspects when one pulled out a firearm outside the employee restroom.
The victims were told to lie down on their stomachs and look down. Two other suspects stole their cellphones.
A few minutes later, the victims heard the sound of an explosion. The suspects left the room, and one of the employees managed to crawl to a telephone to call the police and press the panic button. Police responded immediately.
READ: Suspects flee after failed ATM bombing in Mangweni
The suspects could not get to the cash in time and fled to avoid the police. Although the petrol attendants only saw three men, CCTV footage showed around eight suspects were involved in the robbery.
Anyone with information related to the incident can contact WO Mduduzi Shongwe on 082-389-8112.
Businesses and homes across Nkomazi have been targeted by burglars and armed robberies over the past few weeks. As a result police are urging community members to step up their security.
READ: Suspects resort to extreme violence during Hectorspruit robbery
Residents are urged to keep their windows closed, ensure there are burglar bars in place and that all doors remain locked, especially at night.
If they have an alarm, ensure it is activated and in working order and that your panic button is easily accessible. Many burglars keep an eye on a residence for several days to determine the occupants’ routine, so it is important to switch your routine from time to time. Ensure that residents and employees all know what to do in case of an emergency and know never to let strangers into the yard or house unless specifically arranged.
READ: Safeguard your home to prevent break-ins
Business owners are also urged never to keep large amounts of cash on the premises, to increase security when they open or lock up and to look into extra measures such as alarms or CCTV cameras.
These security measures can help shorten emergency response time and help identify suspects.
Police ask that community members report suspicious or criminal activities, people and vehicles, as tip-offs have been instrumental in apprehending criminals.
