2 residents killed in Eden Park ATM bombing

Two residents were fatally wounded after an ATM was bombed at an Eden Park supermarket on June 10.
Gauteng police are seeking a group of men involved in the incident.

It is reported that three suspects broke the lock at the gate and entered the premises. Shortly after, explosions and shots were heard.

When the residents, aged 38 and 68, checked what was happening, the suspects shot at them. It resulted in their tragic deaths.

“The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. The police are investigating the cases of murder and ATM bombing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or the crime stop line at 086 001 0111,” provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo explained.

Death impacts community

According to community leader chief Johannes Goliath, this was a tragic loss for the Eden Park community.

“While lying in bed, I heard a loud explosion a few metres away at around 03:15 on the morning of June 10. A second explosion went off a few minutes later and I realised from experience that the bomb sound was near where the Eden Park market’s ATMs were. About 10 to 15 minutes later, there was severe gunfire,” he said.

He then posted the experience on a community WhatsApp group.

Later, someone responded to the group that the incident took place at the Eden Park supermarket and that people were also shot.

He got up and drove to the scene where the bodies were lying in the street covered in blankets.

“By then, police were already busy on the scene and had the area demarcated. The community is very angry that the last few machines were targeted. This will bring so much inconvenience to our Sassa beneficiaries.

“It is such an upsetting thought that our aged and disabled will be left with no option but to walk long distances to withdraw Sassa grants,” he explained.

He reiterated that Palm Ridge, which is kilometres away with a dense population, might be the closest option to access the next working ATM.

Bereaved family

The bereaved family of the late 38-year-old Bradwin Jordaan said they are devastated by his death.

“My son was loved and known by many. After hearing the shots, he walked out of the gate and about five minutes later we heard the gunshots. He was shot through the eye and the bullet got stuck in the head. I was there the moment he was shot. The ambulance responded swiftly, but it was too late,” explained his mother, Cynthia Louw.
Condolences have since been pouring in for both families following the ordeal.

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