Suspects flee empty-handed after botched ATM bombing
A botched robbery left residents frustrated after the only ATM at the Ravele U-Save Complex outside Louis Trichardt was bombed on Saturday, 15 May.
LIMPOPO- People were milling around the complex the next day, while forensic specialists and the bomb unit combed the area for evidence.
The would-be robbers are suspected of using stun grenades, but in the end they only managed to break the ATM screen and had to leave empty-handed.
Rural communities say they are fed-up with criminals robbing them of developments meant to better their lives.
Residents who live next to the complex said they heard a loud bang at around midnight on the day of the crime.
“We were watching movies when we heard a big blast. We thought it was the sound of a firearm, as we are used to that during weekends.
“We did not take it seriously, but were surprised to see many police officials at the complex on Sunday morning. That was when we learnt that there had been an attempted robbery at the ATM,” a resident who wanted to remain anonymous, told CV.
“Bringing ATMs to remote rural villages around Sinthumule and Kutama came as a great relief to those who previously had to travel long distances to access banking services in Louis Trichardt.
“Now criminals are bombing the machines. People who are doing this deserve to be put behind bars where they belong,” said another villager.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, confirmed the incident and said a case of malicious damage to property had been opened.
“So far, no arrests have been made yet. The police appeal to anyone with information that can assist them to come forward.”
