INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS
More than 15 robbers stormed the Vasco da Gama supermarket in Henley-on-Klip, near Meyerton. Photo: Matthews Baloyi
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