PHUTHADIJHABA – The Police Serious and Violent Crime Unit in Phuthaditjhaba is appealing for information that could lead to the arrest of 11 armed suspects following the bombing of two ATMs in the Phuthaditjhaba Central Business District during the early hours of Friday morning.

According to police, a security officer was inside a vehicle recording kilometre readings at about 01:20 when he was confronted by two armed suspects. The suspects allegedly shot him in the hip and arm before bombing two ATMs with explosives.

About 11 suspects fled the scene with two bags believed to contain an undisclosed amount of cash. The injured security officer was taken to hospital for medical treatment. His firearm was stolen during the incident.

The explosions also damaged the sliding door of a neighbouring funeral parlour.

Police are investigating cases of attempted murder, malicious damage to property and theft of a firearm.

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Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the Phuthaditjhaba Serious and Violent Crime Unit on 082 332 3418, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit information through the MySAPS App.

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