Broederstroom – A security officer miraculously survived a hail of bullets when ATM bombers opened fire after the security vehicle surprised them.
The security officer of SRU Strategic Response Rescue Unit was on patrol around 01:00 on Friday morning when he came across an ATM bombing in progress at the fuel station in Broederstroom.
“One of our patrol vehicles was on patrol near the T Junction of the R512 and Lanseria Toad when he was ambushed. “The armed response vehicle came under serious fire, originating from the direction of the Sasol fuel station. Upon assessment, the patrol officer identified two assailants who continued to discharge firearms at the vehicle. The officer skilfully manoeuvred the vehicle out of the line of fire and promptly called for backup before again approaching the scene,” said Arthur Crew of SRU.
However, the suspects had fled into the surrounding dark bush.
The suspects had already bombed the fuel station’s drop-safe and an ATM and were presumably on their way to bomb a second ATM on the premises when the security vehicle drove past. Hartbeespoort police arrived on the scene soon after.
Two employees were injured during the attack on the fuel station. “We treated one employee and he was taken to hospital by an ambulance. Another was assaulted by the robbers and had luckily sustained minor injuries,” Crewe said.
” Despite the intensity of the confrontation, our security officer was luckily not seriously injured.” SRU members initiated an extensive area search, but the suspects had escaped. “While the incident posed significant risks to our personnel and the surrounding community, the swift and coordinated response from our team, coupled with the support of Hartbeespoort police, ensured that the situation was contained without any serious injuries. Ongoing vigilance and collaboration remain paramount in safeguarding against similar threats in the future,” he said.
It is not yet known if the suspects fled with money from the drop-safe and ATM. Kormorant is waiting for more information from the police.