A gun-wielding man had his crime spree abruptly brought to an end on Monday, 15 April 2024, thanks to the courageous intervention of two response officers from Magenta Security.
Magenta Security’s Jan van Rensburg explained the incident unfolded while the two response officers were patrolling the Newcastle CBD.
During their patrol, they encountered a man who was openly wielding and waving a firearm, pointing it at various people to menace and rob unsuspecting passersby “He was threatening people with the gun and it is suspected he used it to steal cellphones,” detailed van Rensburg.
Despite the inherent danger, van Rensburg explained that the response officers chose to confront the armed individual. “While they approached the man cautiously, it is our responsibility to protect the community, and we are trained to handle such situations,” affirmed van Rensburg.
Realising that his game was up, as he couldn’t intimidate the Magenta officers, the suspect complied with their instructions. “He was taken into custody and handed over to the Newcastle SAPS, where he was then arrested,” confirmed van Rensburg.
Upon apprehending the suspect, it was discovered that he possessed four suspected cellphones. However, further police investigations are needed to ascertain the true ownership of the phones. Furthermore, it was revealed that the firearm wielded by the suspect was, in fact, a gas gun, remarkably resembling a real weapon.
As further police investigations are to be conducted, van Rensburg noted that while incidents such as this were not common in town, and it was fortunate that his team was able to apprehend the man, residents are urged to not take chances by attempting to fight off individuals brandishing firearms.
With the suspect now in police custody awaiting further investigation, what are your thoughts on the incident?
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