Security officer shot in shoot-out with ATM bombers

A security officer was shot and wounded in a shoot-out with suspected ATM bombers in Elardus Park on Tuesday morning.

Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said the company’s security officers responded to two loud explosions at Cornwall Shopping Centre around 02:40.

He said their officers reported that the explosions were from the bombing of a Standard Bank ATM.

“Three of our vehicles responded and found suspected ATM bombers driving out of the complex.”

Jooste said the ATM bombers immediately opened fire as Bull Security vehicles attempted to cut them off.

“One of our officers was shot in the arm and transported by Netcare 911 medics to the Pretoria East Hospital.”

He said no else was injured.

“Three Bull Security vehicles were riddled with bullets from the shoot-out,” said Jooste.

He confirmed the attackers fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said medics responded to an ATM bombing in Elardus Park after 03:00.

“We found a security officer had been shot.”

The officer was stabilised and transported to hospital.

Mathe said the officer was in a stable condition on arrival in hospital.

Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said: “We are investigating the attempted murder, malicious damage to property and bombing of an ATM.”

Masondo said the number of attackers still had to be confirmed.

“Police can confirm the group were heavily armed with automated rifles,” he said.

Police asked anyone with information to contact 08600-10111.