After making staff and customers lie faced down on the shop floor, suspects proceeded to attach explosives to an ATM and bomb it, before making off with an undisclosed amount of money.
The scene unraveled at a Shell Garage in Lenasia Extension 11A’s Bangalore Drive.
When residents heard a blast at around 9.30pm on Tuesday, June 21, they rushed to investigate, only to be met by a hail of bullets, being sprayed in different directions from an AK47.
Once suspects had fled the scene, it was discovered that a Standard Bank Auto Cash ATM was bombed in full view of terrified customers and staff.
According to Lenasia SAPS spokesperson, Captain Hector Netshivhodza, the suspects arrived in two vehicles, a white bakkie and a silver sedan (models unknown).
“The suspects forced staff members that had been in the forecourt into the shop at gunpoint,” Netshivhodza.
The suspects then made the staff and customers that had been in the shop to lay face down on the ground.
“They fitted explosives to the ATM machine and bombed it,” Netshivhodza said.
It is alleged, an undisclosed amount of money was also taken from the cashiers drop safe.
According to residents one of the suspects kept guard outside the shop.
“When the man saw us coming towards the garage, he fired shots in our direction, we all ran to safety,” a resident said.
An emergency response vehicle was also shot and damaged during the shooting.
Two suspects were apprehended by security personnel and patrollers, but were later released.
“The suspects were taken in for questioning, but were released as it was found they were not linked to the crime,” Netshivodza said.
Management of the petrol station was contacted by the Rising Sun, they however, refused to comment.
But wished to thank those who assisted after the incident.
The bombing follows that of a Standard Bank Auto Cash ATM at a Total garage, at corner Volta and K43, in Lenasia Extension 10, which occurred on June 19.
On the day a petrol attendant on duty witnessed the explosion and an unknown man getting inside a vehicle and fleeing the scene.
Residents are questioning whether the ATM bombings in the area are part of a syndicate.
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