Newcastle’s streets are typically alive with the sight of dedicated joggers, with scores of local fitness enthusiasts taking to the road, whether early in the morning before work or in the afternoon, seeking relief after a long day. However, following a recent incident, residents are now being strongly advised to rethink their jogging habits, especially when out alone.
The alarming warning comes after a 45-year-old Newcastle woman was accosted and robbed at knife-point while enjoying her morning jog in Signal Hill.
According to police reports, which Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam confirmed, the event unfolded on Saturday morning, 9 November 2024, shortly after 7:00 am, as the woman jogged along HJ van Eck Road.
Focused on her run, the woman suddenly saw two men jogging toward her—one of whom was armed with a knife. Before she had time to react, the second man tripped her, sending her crashing to the ground and leaving her vulnerable to the attackers. With terrifying speed, the men threatened her with the knife before stealing her cellphone and fleeing the scene.
In the wake of this traumatic incident, Arumugam confirmed that investigations are ongoing in an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, she has also taken the opportunity to issue a strong caution to joggers in the community, urging them to avoid running alone, particularly in isolated areas.
“While jogging is extremely good for a person, and people might enjoy jogging alone, it is important to rather jog in groups. Also, if one does decide to jog alone, it is important to be vigilant of your surroundings, and not wear earphones as some do,” said Arumugam.
She further stressed that wearing earphones while jogging posed a significant risk, as they could not hear individuals approaching them from the back or hear people calling out to warn of any danger.
Moreover, Newcastle Community Policing Forum’s Talha Randeree agreed with Arumugam that people should avoid jogging alone. “It is always better to join a club or jog in groups, but those who do prefer to do so individually should rather jog in areas where there is a lot of traffic,” he explained.
However, as HJ van Eck is a popular route for scores of Newcastillians, Randeree noted the Newcastle CPF would look into the matter and discuss it the Newcastle SAPS, to ensure people are able to jog or walk in peace.
In the interim, Randeree urged local fitness enthusiasts to practice caution when jogging. “Criminals who live in the area tend to notice people’s routines, especially when they jog alone, which is why it is important to jog in groups and to change your jogging routine on a regular basis,” he concluded.
As the search for the two suspects continues, with further investigations underway, the local community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 1
Van Eck I use to run there because it has nice hill. I know that it is most dangerous routes for me special as a woman. Sometimes I run there late, see some people (man) with dirty clothes around that forest. What can I say we love what we do.
Thank you so much for sharing this information and I appreciate your advice