ATMs bombed and filling station store robbed in Rosslyn
According to information, the suspects entered the Quick Stop store at the filling station. One suspect emptied the cash register while two other suspects cleaned out the cigarettes from the shelves.
A gang of 15 men armed with weapons and explosives bombed two ATMs and robbed a TotalEnergies filling station Quick-Stop store in Rosslyn early on Thursday morning.
The filling station is located on the corner of the R566 and Ernest Oppenheimer Street next to Nissan’s Rosslyn plant.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the bombing took place at 00:50.
He said after the gang bombed the Absa and Capitec ATMs, three of them entered the Quick Stop store.
“According to the information from the cashier, one suspect emptied the cash register while two other suspects cleaned out the cigarettes from the shelves,” said Van Dyk.
He said the police were doing patrols not far from the petrol station when they heard a loud bang and saw smoke coming from the ATMs.
“The police drove to the garage and discovered that the two ATMS were bombed.”
Van Dyk said the suspects noticed the police and fired a shot. The police took cover and returned fire.
“The police called for backup and the gang fled on foot from the scene.”
He said the police found the cashier who reported that the suspects had forced their way into the store.
Van Dyk said the cashier said one of the suspects held her at gunpoint and instructed her to lie on the floor.
The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register.
The cashier said after the suspects left, she saw the group running to the side of the Nissan plant. A police car was already on the scene.
Van Dyk added police back-up came and a chase ensued.
He said no one was arrested.
“The suspects ran to the bushes next to Nissan and some jumped over Nissan’s fence.”
He added that the police searched for the suspects.
“Police only managed to get five cellphones and a black bag containing cigarettes, a pair of black shoes and a firearm at Nissan.”
He said the suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
Police are investigating a case of ATM bombing, business robbery and malicious property damage.
They urge anyone with information to come forward.
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