Residents of Dzanani township in Nzhelele were left stunned last Thursday morning, when unknown criminals bombed three ATMs in the Nzhelele Valley complex.

According to the police, cash amounting to R280 000 was stolen in the process. Although the police exchanged fire with heavily armed criminals after the bombings, they were unable to prevent the culprits from fleeing the scene.

A police spokesperson, W/O Lazarus Netshidzati, said the criminals were armed with AK47, R4 and R5 assault rifles.  Even though two police vans were shot at during the incident, no one was injured during the shooting.

Netshidzati said that the incident happened at about 01:30. "A number of criminals who were travelling with a white Golf GTi with heavily armed men arrived at the complex. They ordered the security guards to lie down and started bombing the ATMs."

He added that the police van had just passed the place on patrol. "After members of the police heard an explosion, they went to the centre to invesitgate. They were, however, unable to enter the complex as the criminals started firing shots at them," Netshidzati said.

He confirmed that cash amounting to R280 000 was taken from two FNB ATMs and an Absa ATM. He added that the fourth ATM was only damaged and no money was taken from it.

The incident happened just opposite the Mphephu police station. People who were trying to withdraw money at the time were also ordered to lie on the floor, but were not hurt. They said that the incident traumatized them.

Netshidzati said that three counts of malicious damage to property, unlawful use of explosives and fire-arms, armed robbery and attempted murder cases had been opened with the police. "The provincial organized crime unit is investigating the case," he said.

No one had been arrested yet at the time of going to press.