Chaos erupted in Hammanskraal as criminals targeted the Jubilee Mall, bombing five. ATMs in a bold and brazen attack. Police have launched a manhunt to track down the suspects responsible for the daring heist.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed that on March 16, a group of 30 suspects allegedly bombed five ATMs and broke into a shop, where they also detonated explosives on a drop safe.

Masondo added that the suspects, driving a white bakkie, first targeted a security guard on patrol, robbing him of his firearm. They then proceeded inside the mall, where they also stole a cellphone from a second security officer.

“It is reported that the security guard was conducting patrols outside the mall when he was accosted by the suspects who were driving in a bakkie. The suspects robbed him of his firearm and proceeded inside the shopping mall, where they robbed the second security officer of his cellphone.”

Masondo further stated that as the suspects fled the mall, a shootout erupted between them, the police, and private security officers, resulting in a security officer being shot and wounded.

“As they were leaving the shopping mall, the suspects met with the police officers and started firing shots. A shootout ensued between the police, private security officers, and the suspects. One of the security officers was shot and wounded. He was taken to the nearest medical care centre for treatment,” he said.

Masondo stated that no arrests have been made, and authorities have yet to determine the amount of money stolen during the robbery

“No arrests were made, and police are still on the lookout for the suspects. It cannot be confirmed at this stage how much money was taken from the ATMs and the shop,” he added.

A case of attempted murder has been opened, and investigations into the ATM bombings are ongoing.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za

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Security guard wounded in Hammanskraal mall during ATM bombings