An ATM machine in Port Elizabeth was stolen over the weekend and then abandoned with all the money still inside, police said on Sunday.
Lieutenant Johann van Greunen said a breakdown service received a call at 2am Saturday to come to the assistance of a motorist in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth.
When the truck arrived it was hijacked by two men who ordered the driver to take them to a garage in Njoli Street.
Van Greunen said the men, who were joined by several others, then ripped the ATM machine from the wall and loaded it on to the tow truck. The men drove off, with one of the gang at the wheel of the truck.
However, they realised the breakdown truck driver had escaped, and then abandoned the rig and the cash machine in nearby Vuku Street.
The ATM was recovered with all the money still inside. – Sapa