Hammanskraal – Police have launched an extensive manhunt for a gang of approximately 30 suspects who allegedly bombed five ATMs at the Jubilee Mall in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, in the early hours of March 16th. The brazen attack resulted in a security officer being shot and wounded during the perpetrators' escape.
According to provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 AM. A private security officer was conducting patrols outside the mall when he was accosted by the suspects, who were travelling in a bakkie.
"It is reported that the security guard was conducting patrols outside the mall when he was accosted by the suspects who were driving in a bakkie. The suspects robbed him of his firearm and proceeded inside the Shopping Mall, where they robbed the second security officer of his cellphone," said Masondo.
The gang then proceeded to bomb five ATMs within the mall and broke into one of the shops, where they also bombed the drop safe, Masondo added. The amount of money stolen from the ATMs and the shop is currently unknown.
As the perpetrators were fleeing the scene, they encountered police and private security officers, leading to a shootout. "A shootout ensued between the police, private security officers, and the suspects. One of the security officers was shot and wounded," Masondo confirmed.
The injured security officer was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment. As of now, no arrests have been made, and police are actively searching for the suspects.
The Jubilee Mall released a statement on social media acknowledging the incident. "We are saddened to inform you that a robbery occurred at Jubilee Mall on March 16, 2025," the statement read. The mall has been temporarily closed as authorities investigate the scene.
The statement further emphasised the mall's commitment to safety: "The safety and well-being of our customers, tenants, and employees are our top priority. We are working closely with law enforcement to investigate the incident. We want to assure you that we take incidents like this very seriously and are taking immediate action to enhance security measures throughout the mall."
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
