Residents of Tshakhuma Dzananwa (Levubu) woke up on Monday to the distressing news that the only two ATMs in the area, located at the Shell filling station, had been destroyed.

According to reports received, a group of armed suspects confronted the security officer and employees, forcing them to the back of the premises. The suspects then allegedly used explosives to blow up the ATMs.

Residents now have to take a taxi to the nearby mall to withdraw cash for their daily needs, leading to frustration over the added expense. “We are frustrated by the extra cost of taxi fares to Tshakhuma Mall,” some residents lamented.

Mr Fhatuwani Raphulu, the chairperson of the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) in Tshakhuma, voiced concerns about the impact of such criminality on the community. “We relied on these ATMs day and night. What troubles us further is that the suspects also stole cell phones from the workers at the Shell Garage. We hope the garage will remain open and are calling for increased police visibility,” he said.

Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba stated that the suspects had fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, heading towards Thohoyandou. “Police were alerted to the incident and, upon arrival, began initial investigations, which led to the recovery of items, including cartridges, a detonator battery, and a face mask at the scene. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries,” Ledwaba said.

The police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact the investigating officer, W/O Robert Chabalala at 067 873 6422, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or use the MySAPSApp.