Failed hits at 2 Capitec branches

Police are investigating attempted break-ins at two Capitec bank branches in downtown East London.

Staff reporting for duty on Tuesday morning discovered that their branches at 34 and 36 Terminus Street had been vandalised.

The Dispatch visited the two branches, which are separated by two small shops in the subdivided building at 35.

Two ATM screens at the 34 Terminus Street Capitec branch were completely smashed and “out of order” signs had been put up.

Police tape cordoned off the ATMs.

At 36 Terminus Street, Capitec’s large shopfront side window had a hole bashed through it.

Police forensic experts and two detectives in civilian clothing were seen by the Dispatch team looking for evidence and taking notes.

While the two ATMs were out of order, it was business as usual inside the branch.

Acting branch manager Sibongiseni Gqozo said: “We don’t know much about what really happened here but I can confirm that no money has been taken.”

Gqozo said she was in charge of the Oxford Street Capitec branch and had been asked to step in to help by the manager of the Terminus Street Capitec.

East London police spokesperson Captain Hazel Mqala said the attack happened either during the night on Monday or in the early hours on Tuesday.

Mqala said police suspected an attempted burglary and said no money or goods were stolen.

“Two ATMs were vandalised and a side window was smashed at the Capitec situated at the corner of Terminus and Buffalo [streets].”

Mqala said cases of malicious damage to property and attempted business robbery were being investigated.