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On Wednesday night, 2 February 2022. Armed robbers stole an estimated R3 million worth of goods from Edgars at Newcastle Mall.
Mornè Potgieter, Ithemba Security’s Operational Director, explains that at around 8.20 pm, a call was received reporting a robbery at the Newcastle Mall’s Spur. However, a short time later, another call came in saying that the theft was, in fact taking place at Blackrock Casino.
Potgieter states, “We rushed to Blackrock Casino, but it was a negative when we got there. We then proceeded to the Mall. By the time we got there at about 8.27 pm, the suspects had already left.”
At this point, law enforcement determined that Spur was not the intended target. According to Potgieter, between eight and sixteen heavily armed suspects entered the Newcastle Mall. The perpetrators strategically placed their team members outside the shopping facility and main entrance.
Once inside the Mall, Potgieter states, “They hit out the front doors of Edgars, and the suspects gained access to the shop and filled up a whole lot of bags with goods from the shop.”
After stealing various items, he further says that the men returned to their vehicles and fled the scene.
The following items were stolen, according to Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam:
- Cellphones
- Cosmetics
- Jewellery
Furthermore, the getaway vehicles utilised in the robbery were:
- GTI Golf 7
- The Toyota Etios
- A Jetta/Polo sedan
With the suspects managing to flee the scene, Arumugam explains that police are investigating the matter.
This is the second robbery at the Newcastle Mall in less than three months. The last armed robbery took place at Incredible Connection on 5 November 2021. The suspects, in this case, stole laptops and cellphones worth approximately R300,000 before fleeing the scene.
To read the full story, click here.
Furthermore, the Newcastle Mall’s safety was in January 2022, as crimes such as motor vehicle theft, scammers prowling the parking lot, theft from motor vehicles, and items stolen from shoppers’ shopping trolleys appeared to be a growing concern among residents.
Newcastle Mall’s Marketing Manager, Beulah Rajkumar, explained at the time that reducing crime on the premises is an ongoing priority, with Newcastle Mall Centre Management constantly thinking about ways to improve security.
To read the full article, click here.
However, in the aftermath of this robbery, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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2 Responses
I visit the mall 4 to 5 times a week. I never see any visible security outside the building or in the parking lot. Inside the building, people whom I presume are security members, can sometimes be seen here and there.
There is a huge gap in the security of the mall, with only the loyal car guards to be relied on.
So true..No security guards visible at All..Only car guards visible..Its NOT SAFE AT ALL..