Gang hits store, bombs ATM
More than 15 robbers stormed at Vasco Da Gama supermarket at Henley on Klip at the Vaal area where they robbed the tills and bombed the ATM where undisclosable amount was taken.374 Picture: Matthews Baloyi 1/12/2011 More than 15 robbers stormed at Vasco Da Gama supermarket at Henley on Klip at the Vaal area where they robbed the tills and bombed the ATM where undisclosable amount was taken.374 Picture: Matthews Baloyi 1/12/2011
It was 15 minutes to closing time. Vasco da Gama supermarket owner Mark* was preparing to close up his shop when he heard a “big bang”.
When he went to investigate the loud noise, he found the shop’s floor littered with money, thanks to the work of crafty ATM bombers.
At around 7.15 Thursday night, at least 15 armed, balaclava-clad men stormed the quiet Henley-on-Klip supermarket. They split up into two teams – one group held up the cashiers, emptying the tills, while the other team walked toward the ATM in the shop to plant and detonate a bomb.
“I just heard a big bang and saw the shop was full of armed men. I was so worried that they were going to shoot us and the customers, but fortunately they didn’t,” Mark said.
He watched as the men quickly stuffed their bags with an undisclosed amount of money and hit a customer with a gun butt before fleeing the scene.
Last December, robbers held up cashiers and customers at their family business before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.
“We’re feeling quite vulnerable and scared. I can’t believe this has happened to us again,” Mark said.
- The Star