The Free State police said the suspects also shot a man (30) in the upper abdomen and left hand at this fuel station in the East End industrial area. Police spokesperson Thabo Covane reported a security officer of an armed response company was also shot in the stomach. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital. No update has been provided on the victims yet. 

The police are investigating cases involving the ATM bombing, robbery and attempted murders. A manhunt was launched for these gun-wielding suspects whilst investigations are under way.

Covane said the police urge members of the public who might help with the investigation and arrest of the suspects to contact the police on their various available platforms.

"Early on Saturday 15 April 2023, the police received a shooting incident complaint in MacGregor Street in the East End Industrial Area in Bloemfontein. The Flying Squad patrol vehicle was despatched to attend to it at about 00:47 and as the police approached the scene, shots were fired at them by fleeing suspects."

Whilst the police patrol was on the scene, they noticed the injured 30-year-old man lying on the ground, and a damaged Automatic Teller Machine (ATM).

"According to information, 15 males arrived at the fuel station and used explosives to bomb the ATM. They shot at the victims as they arrived at the scene. The suspects then helped themselves to an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot as the Flying Squad arrived.

"Any member of the public who might help the police with the investigation and arrest of the suspects is requested to contact Lieutenant Colonel Itumeleng Pule at 071 6065 715 or Warrant Officer Donald Sampson at 062 3077 362. Alternatively, the information can be submitted on MySAPS App or the public can call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111," Covane concluded.

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