Winter Crime Spree Warning Issued for Newcastle

Recently, authorities have noted a significant surge in crime across KwaZulu-Natal, with Newcastle experiencing a particularly acute increase.

The escalation in criminal activity across the province was underscored by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who voiced deep concern over the persistent audacity and brutality of criminals in the region.

“These criminals have brazenly posted on social media and boasted about their criminal nature, making mention that they recruit others into this life of crime,” said Mchunu on Monday, 12 May 2025.

Amid this alarming rise in crime, which has sparked concern within the Police Ministry, the Newcastle Community Policing Forum (CPF) issued an urgent advisory regarding the escalating crime rates during the winter season. “As your Community Policing Forum, we are deeply concerned about the recent surge in criminal activities during the winter months in our area. It is vital for us to come together as a community and take necessary precautions to safeguard ourselves and our neighbourhoods,” stated the Newcastle CPF.

Focusing on the crime surge in Newcastle, Amajuba District SAPS spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa highlighted a marked increase in burglaries, with Ncandu Park and its neighbouring suburbs, Amajuba Park and Barry Hertzog Park, as well as Madadeni, and Osizweni, being the most severely impacted. “This is because of the high number of people walking in these areas at night, some of which are criminals who use the opportunity to target homes,” she emphasised.

When pressed on the severity of the situation and the number of reported cases, Constable Langa clarified that precise figures would only be disclosed by provincial or national police during the release of quarterly crime statistics.

However, she noted, “Due to the rise in burglaries, the police are now implementing a number of operations, which includes roadblocks, so we can intercept potential criminals, regular patrols in the CBD and patrolling suburbs during the night.”

Addressing the nationwide issue of manpower shortages within the South African Police Service (SAPS), Constable Langa explained that Newcastle’s local police were adopting proactive measures to mitigate this challenge and curb the crime surge. “Not only do we try to use office staff during operations where possible, we are also working closely with security companies and the Newcastle CPF. Then there are the reservists who are also assisting, and this is all aimed at overcoming any potential manpower shortages,” stressed Constable Langa, who added that high-density operations were also being conducted.

Regarding vehicle shortages, exacerbated by several police vehicles undergoing repairs, Constable Langa noted that the local police sector was rotating vehicles among officers to ensure constant availability, thereby guaranteeing immediate response capabilities during emergencies.

“We are doing as much as possible to serve the community, however, it should be explained that the SAPS focuses a lot on hotspots which come from reports by the community. With this in mind, if residents are aware of criminal activity in their suburbs or other crime trends that are impacting certain areas of Newcastle, they are urged to contact the SAPS or the Newcastle CPF who will then notify the SAPS on the respective issues,” said Constable Langa, who stressed that police efforts to combat crime were heavily reliant on community support.

Furthermore, Constable Langa identified a key challenge: the lack of active community involvement in crime prevention. She reiterated that the police could not tackle the issue alone. “We need residents to get more involved with the CPF and work alongside the police. Taking this into consideration, we have police officials placed in each of the sectors that the CPF works in and if people have any crime related issues, they can approach the relevant CPF sector heads to establish who is the police officer in their sector, and then contact that specific officer who will then take the matter further,” emphasised Constable Langa.

The sectors are defined as follows:

Sector 1:

• CBD below Scott Street, Rank Area
• Riverside – Light Industrial Area (Vlam) & Farmers Hall
• CBD Residential – above the Hospital
• Newcastle High School and Protection Services
• CBD – Above Scott Street

Sector 2:

• Lennoxton, Suryaville, Fernwood
• Paradise
• Fairleigh, Lenvillle, Siyahlala
• Ekuseni Youth Centre

Sector 3:

• Barry Hertzog Park
• Amajuba Park
• RTI & Iscor (Mittal)
• Ncandu Park
• Riverside Industrial Area
• Madadeni Road
• Mathukuza

Sector 4:

• Pioneer Park
• Schuineshoogte
• Signal Hill
• Sunny Ridge

Sector 5:

• Amiel Park
• Hutten Heights
• Aviary Hill

Sector 6

• Arbor Park
• Hilldrop
• Karbochem/Airport
• Vezubuhle
• Ingagane 
• Ballengeich

“These sector divisions have been established by the SAPS to coordinate efforts in specific areas and facilitate quicker responses to incidents. Let’s work together to make Newcastle a safer place for everyone. Your cooperation and proactive engagement are essential in combating crime in our community,” stressed the Newcastle CPF.

The Newcastle CPF further highlighted its Sector Chairs and Youth Desk Chair, who play pivotal roles in ensuring community safety: 

• Sector 1 & 2: Shokat Akram (Interim Chairperson on the mother body at Newcastle station level).
• Sector 4 & 5: Jan Van Rensberg.
• Sector 3 & 6: Thabo Mbatha.
• Youth Desk Chairperson: George Mngomezulu.

“These individuals are dedicated to overseeing specific areas within Newcastle to ensure effective crime prevention strategies,” the CPF noted.

Reflecting on the above, the current surge in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in Newcastle, calls for an urgent and unified response that bridges the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the community. Despite resource constraints, including manpower shortages and vehicle repair delays, the SAPS is taking action through high-density operations, roadblocks, and collaborations with security companies and the Newcastle CPF. Constable Nonjabulo Langa’s emphasis on community involvement is a clarion call: residents must actively report suspicious activities, join CPF meetings, and establish neighbourhood watch groups to amplify police efforts. By fostering a proactive partnership, communities can disrupt the brazen criminal networks highlighted by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, creating safer streets and homes across Newcastle and beyond.

Additionally, the SAPS’s sector-based structure, underpinned by the CPF sector chairs offers a clear framework for localised crime prevention. Therefore, residents are encouraged to engage with their sector heads to report concerns and connect with designated police officers for rapid response. To sustain this momentum, communities should advocate for increased police funding and participate in crime awareness workshops to stay informed about local trends. 

By building a resilient, collaborative network, Newcastle’s residents can transform their neighbourhoods into models of safety, inspiring other KwaZulu-Natal communities. The fight against crime is a shared responsibility, and every step taken together strengthens the region’s resolve for a secure future.

What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.