On the 29th of August 2024, residents of Diepkloof Zone 1 in Soweto were shaken by yet another brazen ATM bombing incident at Zaks Engen Garage. Criminals targeted the FNB ATM, causing a blast that resulted in the theft of a significant amount of money. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has highlighted a troubling trend in the area.
According to recent research conducted by Loxion Express, incidents of ATM bombings in Soweto have seen a sharp rise over the past years. According to the report by The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) report, between 2021 and 2023, there has been a staggering 59% increase in such criminal activities, leaving residents and authorities deeply concerned.
Soweto, once bustling with ATM facilities, now finds themselves severely depleted. Out of the numerous machines that once served the community, only a few are currently operational. This reduction has not only inconvenienced residents but has also raised fears about accessibility to essential banking services in these neighborhoods.
One resident, who remained anonymous, expressed her frustration to Loxion Express, stating, “It’s incredibly inconvenient for my family and me. We now have to travel further to access our own money. It’s not safe anymore.” Her sentiment echoes that of many others who feel increasingly vulnerable due to these criminal acts.
“At the rate ATMs are bombed in Soweto, we are fast going to run out of them. My biggest worry is that if all ATMs are bombed, that will force us to catch a taxi or two to go to the mall just to access them. Imagine old people and women who collect their grant money from ATMs, they would be the most affected,” said another resident.
The challenges posed by these ATM bombings extend beyond mere inconvenience. They disrupt daily life, threaten community safety, and undermine efforts to promote economic stability in Soweto. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, including ongoing investigations, arrests have yet to be made, leaving residents anxious about their safety and the security of their financial transactions.
As the community grapples with these ongoing challenges, stakeholders are calling for increased security measures and community vigilance to curb the rising tide of ATM bombings. The future remains uncertain, but residents remain hopeful that concerted efforts will restore safety and restore their confidence in the local banking infrastructure.
The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) has also raised concerns about the surge in cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings. Sabric said banks lost R32 million in cash from attacks in 2022 alone. Read the article here.
