A routine trip to buy lunch has left a 24-year-old man deeply shaken after being robbed at gunpoint while sitting in his car. The ordeal, which unfolded on Sunday, 24 November 2024, has left the man with emotional scars and a bitter outlook on safety in Newcastle’s CBD.
Choosing to remain anonymous, the man recounted the events while sitting down with Newcastillian News.
According to the gentleman, he was driving down Murchison Street to purchase food when an unusual and alarming sequence of events occurred. “I stopped at the traffic lights when this woman suddenly started dancing in front of my car,” the man began.
However, the strange sight quickly turned sinister. The dancing woman was suddenly joined by two men, both armed with guns. They tapped on the car’s windscreen, demanding the man’s cellphone in an intimidating and forceful manner.
“I was so scared; I could not get a good look at them. I was just scared to look at them, so I handed over my cellphone and when the traffic light changed to green, I sped off,” the man explained.
Furthermore, he noted that just before the robbery, he had observed how quiet the street seemed for a Sunday. “I had initially intended to use Kirkland and Allen Streets, but because of the roadworks, I had to use Murchison,” he revealed.
Despite being the victim of a crime, the man decided not to report the incident to the Newcastle Police Station. “Why bother, what are they really going to do?” he questioned, his frustration and hopelessness evident. However, with the festive season fast approaching, he issued a heartfelt warning to the public: “I feel people should really be vigilant of their surroundings, as a person works so hard, just for someone to steal it from you in just a few seconds.”
In response to the alarming incident, Amajuba SAPS District Spokesperson, Constable Nonjabulo Langa, stressed the importance of opening cases to assist police efforts. “This is the first time we have heard of an incident such as this, but with the festive season coming, anything is possible from the criminal element who will try almost anything,” Constable Langa emphasised.
Addressing the man’s reluctance to file a report, Constable Langa explained, “In order for police officials to do their work, we need the community to open cases, so that we can investigate the crime and establish crime trends and hotspots where these crime trends take place.”
Despite this, Constable Langa explained that she would notify law enforcement officers of this incident, as to ensure police officials were aware of further potential incidents.
Other than informing police officers of the disturbing robbery, Constable Langa has noted that local law enforcement will be highly active during the upcoming weeks, running a series of operations until 30 January 2025. This, she explained, would include high police visibility in town and identifying high risk areas in Newcastle, so that police could combat crime effectively this holiday season.
To read more about the SAPS festive operations, click here.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 9
If the department of justice don’t come to the party the police’s efforts in combatting crime is futile. There’s no sense in arresting these criminals just to see them roaming the streets again within days of their arrest.
They should be taught a lesson that crime doesn’t pay and not that crime is a paid vacation at state’s expense!!
I also witnessed a robbery at the very same robot on Saturday, 24 November. It was absolutely busy, traffic was backed up from robot to robot ( we were at the robot by Walkot Cars).This guy was walking around casually looking into people’s cars. He even spoke to the driver of the bakkie in front of my car. I closed the window and my husband was looking in the rear view mirror to see where he is going…next thing he reaches into a car 2 cars behind us, snatched the passengers cellphone and runs off.
We need to be extra vigilant and keep all valuables out of sight in out vehicles.
Most Concerned Newcastle Citizens, are victims of crime, it’s one thing to say first incident of such, Try calling 10111 , try reporting a case, see what frustration encountered. A suspect is not cross questioned like you are. The first they ask ” insurance ” .
Coalitions in Newcastle has left NN , more ,more , non local services maintenance by this non experienced led local municipal . Look at panorama drive contractors just digging no solutions in sight ???
The reason why many people do not report incidents as it takes considerable time due to queues. Seldom are the perpetrators arrested and even less chance of them being convicted.
Are there camera’s and are they being monitored. We saw what happened to Parliament which is supposed to be a key point facility.
The police are only visible in town to write up fines for their December bonuses.
Taxis will be breaking rules of the road, robbery in broad day light and therez no police to be found
Newcastle leaves much to be desired. We once had a beautiful town. It’s all gone up in a ball of smoke. Disgusting.
About a year ago I reported a case of theft from my home. Shortly afterwards I received a SMS with the case number. However, 24 hours later I received a further SMS to inform me that the case had been closed!
I own a Music Shop. Recently a theft occurred whereby a dj mixer was stolen from my shop. It was brought to our attention by a Chinese Security guy that was parked at the shop whilst we were loading for him. We had eye witness and camera footage. We reported to police. Two police officers came and took statement. The eye witness told the police that he knows the thief and also where he hangs out and when if he the shoplifter he will inform us. The police officers just ignored the witness and continued to take statement. An SMS received later by the police said that the case was closed.
A few months later The eye witness called me as the shoplifter was walking up the our street. We confronted the shoplifter with video footage and he admitted stealing as With the help of a dectective we recovered the DJ mixer worth R6500.
Very dissapointed with our Policing.