Manhunt launched after ATM bombing
The SAPS in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for suspects following the bombing of an ATM at a convenience store in Hazyview early this morning.
The SAPS in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for suspects following the bombing of an ATM at a convenience store in Hazyview early this morning.
According to police reports, two armed men stormed the store where they held the staff hostage and demanded cash. The suspects then robbed them of packets of cigarettes as well as undisclosed amount of cash from the tills. They ordered the employees to lie down and reportedly detonated an ATM which is inside the garage store, The suspects helped themselves to an undisclosed amount of cash before they fled the scene with the stolen items.
Sources on the scene have said the shop is still unsafe to enter, as the impact of the bomb caused severe structural damage.
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Police were notified about the incident and upon arrival a case was opened hence the manhunt. The SAPS urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact Det Capt Eurence Sibuyi on 082-449-0231. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600-10111 or send information via the My SAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Ken Robertson, chairperson of the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) in Hazyview, said this incident is indicative of criminals’ lack of fear for the local SAPS. “These criminals have very little fear of the Hazyview police, if they can bomb a garage directly across the R40 main road from the SAPS,” he said. “The Hazyview Police Station is under-resourced, understaffed and in serious need of an upgrade in terms of resources. An opportunity is now available to increase the capacity of the police station as they are still on a lieutenant colonel status. They need to be on a full colonel status.”
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Robertson added that the station consists of 15 detectives with only three vehicles between them. “Criminals are taking advantage of the compromised position of the Hazyview station.”
