An armed business robbery unfolded on Voortrekker Street, Newcastle CBD, on Friday afternoon, 9 February 2024, leaving law enforcement authorities in pursuit of the gun-wielding individuals responsible for the audacious incident.
Lizzy Arumugam, spokesperson for the Newcastle South African Police Service (SAPS), detailed that the incident transpired just before 5 pm.
“The victim alleged he was about to close the store when a man approached him, pulled out a firearm, and forced him back into the store,” Arumugam recounted.
Once inside the business premises, Arumugam highlighted that the perpetrator compelled the startled business owner to the rear of the store, where he was then bound. With the victim securely restrained, Arumugam pointed out that two additional men entered the establishment, collaborating with the initial assailant in the robbery operation.
Imran Ghafoor, a member of the Newcastle Crime Fighter Task Team, said that he received a distress call regarding the robbery at 5 pm and responded to aid the victims and police. Upon arrival, Ghafoor stated that the suspects had successfully stolen an undisclosed sum of cash, mobile phones, and other merchandise before fleeing on foot.
An official police source estimated the value of the stock at R60,000.
Despite the prompt response of law enforcement, Arumugam acknowledged that no arrests had been made. Nevertheless, she assured the public that extensive investigations were underway, and the suspects would be apprehended.
If you have any information that could assist the SAPS to contact them immediately.
As authorities intensify their search for the armed perpetrators, now at large, what are your thoughts on all of this?
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Comments 1
We should applaud the first responders, like police and fire, who run into danger, when the rest of us flee to safety. Putting their lives on the line. Thank you