On Friday morning, 27 January 2023, law enforcement received information regarding a suspicious vehicle occupied by five men. They were spotted driving through Lennoxton at approximately 1 am and reported to the authorities.
Responding to the matter and confronting the men, Newcastle SAPS and Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team managed to avert a serious crime. “They were planning to rob a house during loadshedding, when they knew there would be no lights or security cameras,” Ghafoor said.
Seeing the vehicle near Boundary Road, law enforcement approached it to question the men. However, upon seeing the police, the suspects decided to flee the scene, running away.
However, Ghafoor pointed out that three of the men were caught and arrested, and two firearms were recovered. Their vehicle was also booked into the Newcastle SAPS.
With opportunistic criminals targeting local businesses and homes, especially during loadshedding, Ghafoor called on residents to be vigilant of their surroundings. “If any suspicious activity is spotted, please alert the SAPS Radio Room on 034 31 46158,” noted Ghafoor.
