A typical morning for a local clothing factory on Marconi Drive, Newcastle took a startling and dangerous turn when an attempted armed robbery unfolded on Thursday, 3 October 2024. The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:20 am, saw five men targeting the business in a meticulously planned heist.
According to information verified by Newcastle SAPS spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam, the factory’s employees were arriving to begin their shifts when the five suspects, disguised as workers, infiltrated the premises.
Once inside, two of the men zeroed in on the business owner and his female partner, forcing the terrified pair into the office area at gunpoint, using firearms to exert control.
In the office area, the situation became even more tense as a third suspect joined the two gunmen. The trio began aggressively demanding that the business owners open the safe, while also physically searching them in an effort to find anything of value. Meanwhile, the fourth suspect kept a watchful eye over the factory floor, and the fifth suspect stood guard outside to monitor the surroundings.
Law enforcement noted that the suspects appeared to be in a frantic rush to avoid capture. In their haste, they only managed to steal a cellphone from the female business owner before fleeing. The group made their escape by scaling the perimeter wall, with four of the suspects disappearing into a nearby veld, while the fifth ran in a different direction.
Despite the tense situation, no shots were fired, and, thankfully, no one was physically harmed.
However, the traumatic ordeal left the business owners and their staff deeply shaken. SAPS spokesperson Arumugam confirmed that police investigations are actively underway to locate the five suspects, two of whom are so far known to be armed.
Though the criminals left with only a single cellphone, their daring attempt has raised alarm within the local business community. Arumugam issued a stern warning: “As the holiday season approaches, we expect a possible rise in criminal activity targeting businesses, particularly armed robberies, as criminals know this is a busy period, with large sums of money circulating. We urge businesses to remain vigilant during this time. Rest assured, the police will be conducting operations throughout the festive season to ensure the safety of both residents and businesses.”
As Newcastle SAPS intensifies its search for the five suspects and prepares for a potential holiday crime wave, what are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.