Three men have been arrested in connection with an Absa ATM bombing at Phagameng township in Modimolle on Wednesday, Limpopo police said.
Spokesperson Superintendent Malesela Ledwaba said the men were caught after a massive search. ”We are still searching for two more men involved in the bombing.”
Earlier in the day, police were informed about the bombing and spotted a suspicious-looking vehicle on the R101, said Ledwaba.
When police tried flagging down the driver of the white Ford Ranger bakkie with a GP registration number, the suspects began shooting at them. ”Police shot back, but the four suspects managed to drive off. The vehicle was later found abandoned in a township on the way to Mookgopong.”
He said that explosives and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in the vehicle.
Absa’s general manager for group security, Mariette Barends, said: ”In as much as these ATMs belong to Absa, they are also there for the benefit of the people in communities.”
She said Absa remains committed to ”taking banking to the people”, despite the bombings.
To ensure safety, Barends said customers should avoid ATMs situated in dark, remote, isolated areas. ”Remain alert and aware of your surroundings when approaching and while doing a transaction at an ATM. Scan the area for suspicious-looking people before approaching the ATM.”
Customers should also avoid ATMs that may have been visibly damaged or tampered with, or which have a cord or foreign object hanging from it, Barends said. — Sapa