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Bombers destroy ATM but fail to take cash

DESTROYED: The Absa ATM at Sanlam Centre in Nelspruit was reduced to rubble after thieves blew it up. No money was taken but the damage is estimated at about R1 million. Pic. Alfred Moselakgomo. 04/05/08.© Sowetan.
DESTROYED: The Absa ATM at Sanlam Centre in Nelspruit was reduced to rubble after thieves blew it up. No money was taken but the damage is estimated at about R1 million. Pic. Alfred Moselakgomo. 04/05/08.© Sowetan.

Alfred Moselakgomo

Alfred Moselakgomo

Another ATM was blown up in Mpumalanga but the thieves failed to take any money.

Only one section of Shoprite Checkers in Sanlam Centre in Nelspruit was open to the public yesterday while the debris was being cleared away from the area where the Absa ATM was located.

The other section of the shop was blown to pieces on Saturday morning when three armed men used explosives to rip open the money box.

The incident has prompted Absa to urge the public to lend a hand in the fight against the ATM bombings.

"Though these ATMs belong to Absa they also belong to you and are there for the benefit of the public," Absa security general manager Mariette Barends said.

"It creates a significant inconvenience for people who might now have to travel out of their community to withdraw money."

People in affected communities are worried that banks will not replace bombed ATMs.

Barends allayed these fears by reaffirming Absa's distribution strategy.

"We will not be deterred by ATM bombings and remain committed to taking banking to the people," Barends said

She appealed to customers to be vigilant when using ATMs in the wake of the flood of recent bombings.

"ATM bombings pose the threat of serious injury to individuals and we view these in a serious light," she said.

She said the safety of customers was their main concern and offered safety tips when using ATMs.

Where possible, avoid ATMs situated in dark, remote, isolated areas. Use ATMs that are in busy areas, especially at night.

Be alert and aware of your surroundings when approaching and using an ATM.

Avoid ATMs where any part has been visibly damaged or tampered with .

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