The gang of armed thugs stormed the café, at the corner of Commissioner Street and Van Dyk Road, just after opening time (5am).
According to the shop owner, Johnny Alegria, the men were armed with what appeared to be an automatic rifle and pistols.
“The robbers ordered everyone, including customers, to lie down on the ground,” he said.
”They then used an explosive device to bomb the cash machine, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash.”
The robbers loaded the money into bags before fleeing the scene.
One of the bags, along with mounds of cash, were left behind, scattered around the damaged ATM.
It is unclear if the ATM bombers had getaway vehicles waiting outside.
One staff member, Zukiswa Busakwe, said she thought she was going to die when the men pointed guns at everyone and when the bomb went off.
“I was lying under the table with my eyes closed, praying to God to save our lives,” said a shocked Busakwe.
Another employee, who wished to stay anonymous, said pieces of metal flew through the building at the time of the explosion.
Windows were smashed, the café was filled with smoke and the floor painted blue from the dye inside the ATM.
According to Standard Bank employees, who arrived on the scene to assess the damage, there is a good chance all the stolen money is stained.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Boksburg SAPS crime office on 011 481 6859, or to send anonymous tip-offs to 32211. -@FanieFLK
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