Glencoe residents are hopeful that the town’s ATMs will be up and running this week following two bombings that wrecked the ABSA and FNB machines. Brazen thieves, armed with AK-47 rifles, and probably R5 rifles as well, bombed both ATMs two weeks ago and made off with ‘a substantial amount of cash’.

A security patrol van was fired at as were witnesses. Police have not made any arrests. Andrew Meli of Glencoe Spar, where the ABSA ATM is located, said the shop was assisting residents by allowing them to draw money at the tills.

However, after-hours customers have no option but to drive to Dundee if they urgently require cash.