Broad daylight hold-up outside Empangeni CBD bank

An Empangeni resident is questioning security outside local banks and at ATMs after he was held up at gunpoint on Thursday.

Hugh ‘Spider’ Muller was approached by an assailant while heading towards the entrance to FNB in Union Street at around midday.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Be vigilant when withdrawing cash from ATMs

As he was about to enter the bank, the man stopped him in his tracks.

“I saw him when he put the gun in my face. He demanded, ‘Give me your bag’,” said Muller, recalling the moment a 9mm firearm was pointed at him.

Muller said his assailant was aged roughly late twenties, early thirties, and fled in a silver Ford Figo.

He immediately handed over the bag, which contained personal items including his phone, bank cards and some money.

Muller maintains that more needs to be done to improve safety in the area.

ALSO READ: 8 ways to stay safe when using an ATM

“I can’t believe they don’t have cameras facing the car park or entrance. There are three big companies in that building: FNB, Absa and Assupol,” he said.

He reported the incident to the police on Friday and was assigned an investigating officer.

“The safety of our customers and branch staff at all FNB premises is of prime importance and priority to us,” said FNB spokesperson Zibu Nqala, who is CEO of FNB Points of Presence.

“As part of our commitment to providing a safe environment, we continually evaluate possible risks and security factors associated with our branches – both inside and in our ATM foyers.

“At a minimum, our branch security measures include an alarm system with armed response, CCTV in the branch and ATM lobby, and integrated, real-time 24/7 emergency support for any issue.

“In this instance, the FNB Empangeni branch has an all-day guard working during the branch’s operational hours – from Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm, as an addition to the security measures outlined above.

“We continue to strategically monitor all risk factors and security at our branches to ensure they are aligned in accordance with the new threats and risk profiles identified for each branch,” she said.

ATMs are a favourite target for criminals due to their high usage and accessibility to customers day and night. Security companies warn ATM users to be vigilant and take safety precautions.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: