What began as a simple trip to the ATM turned into a harrowing ordeal for a Newcastle resident, who found himself the victim of a robbery and stabbing along John Parks Road in Pioneer Park, Newcastle.
According to the Newcastle SAPS, the resident had gone to a local shopping complex on John Parks Road to withdraw R6000.
Living nearby and seemingly untroubled by potential risks, the 29-year-old man walked to the centre without concern, instead of travelling with a vehicle. However, his walk home took a terrifying turn when he was suddenly confronted by two men.
Grabbing him, the assailants seized his iPhone and cash before viciously stabbing him multiple times and fleeing the scene. The wounded man had to seek help immediately for his injuries and report the crime to the Newcastle SAPS.
While one of the suspects has been apprehended by the police, Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam revealed that police investigations and the hunt for the remaining suspect are still ongoing.
Additionally, Arumugam has stressed that the community must exercise caution and avoid walking alone, especially when carrying large amounts of money, regardless of their familiarity with the area. “Be crime-conscious and aware of potential dangers at all times! Never walk alone, avoid engaging with strangers, and stay vigilant for unusual vehicles or people,” Arumugam advised.
Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of informing someone about your whereabouts and expected return time. This precaution ensures that, in case of an emergency, those you’ve notified can take action if you fail to return home as planned.
As it isn’t clear if the suspects involved in the above mentioned crime watched their victim withdraw cash, Arumugam warned Newcastillians to be wary of anyone loitering around ATM locations.
As Newcastle SAPS continues its search for the second suspect, what are your thoughts on this alarming incident? Share your views in the comment section below.
Newcastle SAPs are useless, there is no police presence like years ago,the town is running rampant with drugs, alcohol, violence, robbery etc and they seem to be complacent….
Absa needs to remove or place a guard on that ATN in pioneer park how many people have been robbed and now stabbed its not on please do something about it so many old people use that ATM aswell pleeeeese
In regard to the robbery, I question why, when we are heading towards a cashless society, anyone would need to have R6000 cash unless it was for a dodgy deal. Sorry maybe I’ve become cynical in my old age.