On October 24, 2023, an ATM was bombed in Brakpan North, South Africa. The incident occurred at the Sherwood Gardens Shopping Centre at around 12.42 a.m.
Six armed robbers arrived at the shopping center in a white vehicle.
They used explosives to bomb the ATM at the entrance of Pick n Pay and the drop-safe inside the Engen filling station.
The robbers then fled in the white vehicle.
Police arrived at the scene a short time later and cordoned off the area.
They also recovered an amount of torn but usable banknotes.
The Organised Crime Unit is investigating the incident.
ATM bombings are a growing problem in South Africa.
In 2022, there were over 1,000 such bombings reported to the police.
The bombings are often carried out by gangs who are targeting the cash in the machines.
The bombings can be dangerous for the public, as they can cause significant damage to property and can also lead to injuries or even death.
The South African Police Service has urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Impact of ATM bombings
Such bombings have a significant impact on the communities in which they occur.
They can cause damage to property, disrupt businesses, and make it difficult for people to access their money.
These bombings can also have a negative impact on the economy.
They can lead to job losses and discourage investment in the country.
What can be done to prevent ATM bombings?
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent ATM bombings. These include:
- Increasing the security of ATMs, such as by installing anti-explosion devices and CCTV cameras.
- Educating the public about the dangers of ATM bombings and how to report suspicious activity.
- Working with the banking industry to develop new ways to protect ATMs from attack.
The government and the banking industry are working together to address the problem of ATM bombings.
However, more needs to be done to protect the public and to deter criminals from carrying out these attacks.
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