The N11 and R34 are lifelines for thousands of Newcastillians who rely on these roads daily. But a dark cloud now hangs over these vital routes as recent armed robberies have raised urgent concerns about the safety of motorists.
According to reports, the first incident occurred on the N11 on Friday, 27 September 2024.
A 39-year-old motorist was driving near Durnacol when he heard a stone strike his car’s windscreen. Fearing for his safety due to potential damage to the windscreen, the motorist decided to pull over to inspect his vehicle. What followed was a terrifying ordeal that he will not forget.
According to information, verified by Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson, Lizzy Arumugam, the moment the man stepped out of his vehicle, four men suddenly emerged from a BMW and advanced towards him. Two of the men brandished firearms. The victim was ordered to hand over his money, open the car, and access the cubbyhole.
With chilling efficiency, the robbers seized an astonishing R120,000 that the man had been travelling with, along with two cellphones. The four men then fled the scene in their BMW, which had a GP registration plate.
Just two days later, on Sunday, 29 September 2024, another motorist became a victim of a violent robbery, this time on the R34, the Utrecht to Newcastle Road.
Arumugam confirmed that the motorist had been driving from Vryheid to Johannesburg when he noticed a vehicle rapidly approaching from behind, flashing its lights.
Believing the flashing lights indicated something wrong, the unsuspecting driver pulled over. What he faced next was nothing short of terrifying: three men emerged from the approaching vehicle, and one of them aimed a firearm directly at him. In what must have felt like an eternity, the motorist was stripped of R11,000, three cellphones, and even his car’s battery. The criminals sped off, leaving their victim stranded and shaken on the roadside.
While the South African Police Services are investigating both cases and actively pursuing leads to apprehend the perpetrators, this is far from an isolated issue. These recent attacks are not the first instances of motorists being ambushed on the N11 and R34.
Back in February 2024, as reported by Newcastillian News, two men were travelling along the N11, en route from Volksrust to Newcastle. Needing to relieve themselves, they stopped by the side of the road.
But instead of finding relief, they found themselves at the mercy of three robbers, who pulled up alongside them, robbed them, and fled the scene.
To read more on this incident, click here.
In April 2024, another shocking incident occurred when a motorist travelling on the N11 was forced to stop after being flagged down by men driving behind him. Once again, the victim was confronted by armed assailants who robbed him at gunpoint.
To read more, click here.
With the increase in violent robberies on these critical routes, the question now stands: What is being done to protect motorists from further attacks?
Lizzy Arumugam emphasised that the SAPS are stepping up efforts, stating, “The SAPS will be conducting a number of operations along national routes, and with the upcoming holidays, police are going to be everywhere as we start with our necessary planning to ensure the safety of our community.”
However, she explained that she could not divulge the specifics of these operations to ensure that the criminal element remains unaware of the police’s strategies.
As the authorities ramp up their efforts, what are your thoughts on these escalating incidents?
Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 2
So in other words the police only work during the festive season 😞
True that! In other words, SAPS all talk no action, useless as always