A security officer miraculously survived a hail of bullets when ATM bombers opened fire on a security vehicle that surprised them.

The security officer, from Strategic Response Rescue Unit (SRU), was on patrol around 01:00 on Friday when he came across an ATM bombing in progress at a fuel station in Broederstroom in the North West.

“One of our patrol vehicles was on patrol near the T Junction of the R512 and Lanseria road when he was ambushed.

“The armed response vehicle came under serious fire, originating from the direction of the Sasol fuel station.

“Upon assessment, the patrol officer identified two assailants, who continued to fire at the vehicle. The officer skilfully manoeuvred the vehicle out of the line of fire and promptly called for backup before again approaching the scene,” says Arthur Crew of SRU.

The gunmen fled into the surrounding dark bush.

The armed men had already bombed the fuel station’s drop-safe and an ATM and were presumably on their way to bomb a second ATM on the premises when the security vehicle drove past.

Hartbeespoort police arrived on the scene soon after.

Two of the fuel stations’ employees were injured during the attack.

“We treated one employee and he was taken to hospital by ambulance. Another employee was also assaulted by the robbers and luckily [only] sustained minor injuries,” says Crewe.

“Despite the intensity of the confrontation, our security officer was luckily not seriously injured,” he adds.

SRU members initiated an extensive area search, but the robbers had escaped.

“While the incident posed significant risks to our personnel and the surrounding community, the swift and co-ordinated response from our team, coupled with the support of Hartbeespoort police, ensured that the situation was contained without any serious injuries. Ongoing vigilance and collaboration remain paramount to safeguard against similar threats in the future,” he says.

It is not yet known if the robbers fled with money from the drop-safe and ATM.

Kormorant is waiting for more information from the police.