THE ATM is a few metres from the police station.
But the daring thugs did not seem to mind. They bombed the ATM on Friday, 18 August, in Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni at about 2am but they were unable even to get a single note.
The thugs found themselves in the lion's den when police shot at them, and they also retaliated. Etwatwa cops had to call Daveyton police for backup.
Residents who live nearby had to hide under their beds as bullets flew. But in one of the houses, the windows and the door were hit by stray bullets and luckily the owner was not there.
In the end, the thugs fled, and the police took over the crime scene. A CPF member said the bombers could have taken the money if the police had not responded in time.
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Resident Emmanuel Ndlazi said: "It was scary. We were woken up by a loud noise and after some time we heard bullets. We were on the floor and others hid under the beds."
Pensioners said they were concerned they would now have to travel long distances to get their grants.
Gogo Emily Mtshwene said: "This ATM is helping us a lot but unfortunately it's being targeted by thugs. If they are not scammers, they are bombers."
The owner of the house said: "I do not know what could have happened if those stray bullets got me," he said.
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Fabric) expressed concern over the escalating bombings. Last year there was an 11% increase in attacks and a 17% increase in losses.
It is said that despite the technology and security measures in place, ATMs are still being bombed to make them more secure.
Captain Nelda Sekgobela confirmed the bombing of a supermarket in Etwatwa and said police were looking for suspects who fled on foot. She said the shredded banknotes were removed by an explosives unit.
