Police are investigating a case where an ATM at a petrol station in Knopjeslaagte near Mnandi was bombed in the early hours of Friday morning.

The incident, which took place just after midnight, left a security officer shaken after he was held at gunpoint and robbed of his firearm ahead of the bombing.

It is alleged that the Monitor Net security officer was ambushed by about 20 men.

Tshwane SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said that the Monitor Net security officer was on duty at the time.

“He was at the garage with his white Isuzu bakkie when he was surprised by about 20 males,” said Van Dyk.

The suspects were armed with pistols and automatic rifles.

One of the suspects approached the security officer and pointed a gun at him.

The suspect then removed the security officer’s firearm with 15 rounds and 1 magazine from his holster and took his cellphone.

“They told him in Zulu that he must come out of his vehicle [as] they want to bomb the ATM.”

The security guard told police that he then heard the explosion and the criminals took the money.

While the security officer was still on the scene, the suspects shot at another vehicle which then drove away.

“The criminals then jumped into [the security officer’s] vehicle and drove away.”

Van Dyk said that the vehicle was recovered on Tulip Road.

Monitor Net spokesperson JP Le Roux said that the security officer was not injured in the incident.

He said that he could not comment while the police investigation was underway.

ALSO READ: Police investigate death of TUT student (20) after alleged stampede

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram