Man (23) shot and killed, allegedly by ATM bombing gang in Boipatong

When a gang of armed robbers bombed ATMs at a Pick n Pay in Boipatong yesterday, they randomly shot at people on the street to instil fear. During the daring act, a 23-year-old man was shot and killed.

When Siyabonga Mollo left a tavern in the early hours of the morning he came across ATM bombers who allegedly shot and killed him.

Sedibeng Ster visited the crime scene at Pick n Pay, where staff members were cleaning up.

Following a drive around Section 1, the Sedibeng Ster team went to Mollo’s home, where his mother, Nombulelo Yeko, spoke about her son.

“I last saw my son around 19:00 when I came back home. He asked me to buy him Coke, and that was the last time I saw him. Around 03:00, police knocked on my door and asked me to go [and see] if the man [that was] killed was my son,” she said.

Yeko said police told her that the victim, whose body was found in a pool of blood, was killed by armed robbers who fired off random shots during the robbery.

“When I got to the scene, I saw a body covered in foil, when they [police] unveiled the cover, all I remember seeing was my son’s lifeless body covered in blood near a wrecked shop,” she said.

Yeko said she will always remember her son as a humble and proactive person.

“My son loved nothing but going out. He loved dancing; I know many knew him for that. In our household, he was a very helpful person who loved cooking, cleaning and doing house chores,” she added.

Yeko said she hopes for justice for her murdered son.

An eyewitness, who asked to remain anonymous, also spoke to Sedibeng Ster.

“We were also coming from a local tavern when the ATM bombing took place. We were in a large group as the tavern had closed. Siyabonga was walking with another group. As we approached the Pick n Pay, we heard gunshots. As we were trying to run away, Siyabonga fell in front of me,” he said.

“I tried to pick him up and help him run; all I recall is seeing bullet holes in his chest. As helpless as I was, my efforts at resuscitating him didn’t materialise; so I left him on the ground and ran for cover as the armed gang continued to shoot,” said the eyewitness.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed the incident.

“We are investigating a murder case. At this stage, no one [has been] arrested, however, investigations are underway,” she said.