ATM bombers strike again
2008-07-04 18:43
Durban - A Standard Bank automated teller machine in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands town of Kranskop was blown up in the early hours of Friday morning, police said.
Meanwhile, eight armed men bombed an Absa ATM in Kwaggasrand near Tshwane on Friday morning, Gauteng police said.
Police spokesperson Inspector Joey Jeevan said that police were alerted to the bombing of the Kranskop ATM shortly before 01:00 on Friday.
The explosion caused extensive damage estimated to be in the region of R1m to the building and the ATM.
She said preliminary investigations revealed that a white Audi, carrying five men armed with AK47 assault rifles, entered the premises where the machine was located.
Three security guards were held up and relieved of their pistols. They were then taken to another building in the complex.
A 25-year old American who was returning from a church was also held up and ordered to lie down with the security guards.
A short while later, an explosion was heard and the men fled in the Audi, taking with them an undisclosed amount of cash.
No one was injured in the attack.
Jeevan said it was believed that commercial explosives had been used in the blast.
Meanwhile, in Kwaggasrand, Captain Dumisani Ndlazi said a gang of eight went to an Engen garage around 02:00 on Friday.
The men blew open the ATM before fleeing in a white Ford Bantam bakkie with an undisclosed amount of money.
No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident. No arrests had been made, said Ndlazi.
- SAPA