Newcastle SAPS has launched an investigation into a daring armed robbery that occurred along the N11 on Friday, 5 April 2025.
According to law enforcement officials, the incident transpired at 5:30 pm when a 38-year-old man was travelling along the national road.
While driving, two men from another vehicle drove up to him, allegedly flagging him down and showing that he needed to stop and pull over. However, upon stopping his vehicle to ascertain the reason, one of the occupants brandished a firearm.
Subsequently, the perpetrators instructed the victim to exit his car, proceeding to relieve him of his mobile phones and approximately R49,000 in cash. As of now, no arrests have been made.
Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson, Lizzy Arumugam stated, “Police investigations into the robbery are currently ongoing.” Regrettably, no description or make of the suspects’ vehicle could be furnished.
If you can recall, this is the second robbery of a similar nature along the N11 to occur in two months.
The first incident took place in February 2024. As reported by Newcastillian News, two men were robbed at gunpoint while travelling from the direction of Volksrust to Newcastle. They had pulled over for a restroom break, yet, as soon as they stopped, a second vehicle also pulled over. Two men then jumped out of their car and robbed the men.
To read more, click here.
In light of these incidents, Arumugam urged motorists to exercise vigilance when traversing the N11 and to minimise stopping wherever feasible.
As the Newcastle SAPS intensifies efforts to apprehend the culprits, we invite readers to share their perspectives on the matter in the comments section below.
Comments 1
I have heard of recent incidents, where hijackers dress up as traffic officers, flag motorists down, rob them and drive of with their vehicles. How can we be sure that the traffic officers and police are legitimate? I was stopped in Hospital Street by a man dressed in plain clothing, who claimed to be a police officer – but I drove off as he had – no identification. I wasn’t go to wait around to find out what his next move was going to be!