Newcastle: Man Kicked in Face, Gun Brandished by Alleged Cop

Key points in this article:

• Assault Details: A 25-year-old man was attacked in Riverside Industrial, Newcastle, on 9 February 2025, where he was kicked in the face and threatened with a gun by a man claiming to be a police officer.
• False Accusation and Escalation: The assailant accused the victim of stealing jerseys. Despite the victim’s denial, the confrontation escalated with the alleged officer drawing a firearm and physically assaulting the victim.
• Ongoing Investigation: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensive manhunt for the suspect. The identity of the attacker as either a genuine or impostor police officer remains unconfirmed.
• Public Safety Guidance: In response to the incident, SAPS advises the public on how to verify the identity of police officers, emphasising the importance of checking official identification and suggesting safety measures like seeking verification at a police station if stopped by someone claiming to be an officer.

A 25-year-old man was assaulted along Albert Wessels Drive in Riverside Industrial by an individual claiming to be a police officer, prompting Newcastle’s South African Police Service (SAPS) to launch an intensive manhunt for the assailant.

According to police reports verified by Lizzy Arumugam of Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications, the incident unfolded on Sunday, 9 February 2025, at approximately midday. The victim was working outside his place of employment when his employer called for him. As he approached his employer, he was suddenly accosted by an unknown man.

This stranger, asserting his identity as a law enforcement officer, accused the startled young man of stealing jerseys. Despite the victim’s emphatic denials, the alleged officer escalated the confrontation by drawing a firearm, threatening the life of the now-terrified victim with lethal intent, and then viciously kicking him in the face.

The suspect then abruptly left the scene, leaving both the victim and his employer in a state of shock and disbelief.

While Arumugam confirmed that the investigation is actively progressing, she could not confirm whether the perpetrator was indeed a member of the police force or merely masquerading as one.

As the victim begins his recovery from this traumatic ordeal and the hunt for the suspect intensifies, a critical question emerges: how can one distinguish a genuine police officer from an imposter?

The SAPS advises that the public has the right to request official identification. Each police officer is mandated to carry an appointment card, a unique identification issued to every individual appointed under the Public Service Act within the South African Police Service.

If an official refuses to show this card, citizens are within their rights to demand communication with, or the presence of, the official’s supervisor or commander.

Furthermore, the SAPS stresses the importance of safety protocols for those feeling threatened. If you’re instructed by someone claiming to be a police officer while driving, drive directly to the nearest police station to verify the legitimacy of the individual who signaled you to stop.

The SAPS also clarifies that detectives often operate in plain clothes and thus do not wear name tags. If approached by someone claiming to be a detective, insist on seeing their appointment card to confirm their identity.

As the Newcastle SAPS pursues the suspect, remember this story is still unfolding. Newcastillian News is committed to providing its readers with the latest updates and insights, especially if the suspect is confirmed to be a police officer.

What are your thoughts on this disturbing incident? We invite you to share your perspectives in the comment section below.