Would-be robbers blew up an automated teller machine (ATM) in Welkom on Friday morning, but left empty-handed, Free State police said.
Sergeant Malebo Khosana said residents of Thabong told police of a white Toyota Cressida that had been driving up and down Nkoane Road, where a Standard Bank ATM was located, at about 1.40am.
When they went to take a look, two police officers noticed a burning fuse protruding from the ATM. Realising they were in danger, the officers moved away.
”As they were moving away from the ATM, it exploded. Constable Mothega sustained an injury to the chin and was taken to hospital by paramedics.”
No money was taken and no arrests were made.
According to police, commercial explosives of the kind found on mines were used.
The damage caused to the ATM was estimated at about R300 000, while damage to the neighbouring Ramathe Butchery was estimated at R10 000.
Thabong’s Assistant Commissioner Lerato Molale thanked residents for raising the alarm. — Sapa