The Pick n Pay store on John Parks Avenue in Pioneer Park, Newcastle, was struck by a planned business robbery on Sunday, 22 June 2025, leaving staff in a state of shock and triggering an urgent police response.
According to official police reports, verified by Newcastle SAPS Spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam, the incident occurred at approximately 6:45 am as employees commenced their daily operations.
Arumugam confirmed that six armed men, wielding firearms, entered the premises through the back door at the delivery bay.
Once inside, the perpetrators ordered the staff to lie on the floor and robbed them of their mobile phones. They then confronted the security guard, forcing him to disable the CCTV cameras by cutting the cables. Once done the assailants seized a substantial, undisclosed sum of cash, a hard drive, and the staff’s mobile phones.
After securing the stolen cash, mobile phones, and hard drive, the suspects fled in a Suzuki motor vehicle bearing an unidentified Gauteng registration plate.
Furthermore, a business robbery case has been formally opened, and Arumugam stated that, while no arrests have been made, the police are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the suspects.
Pick n Pay was approached for official comment by Newcastillian News, but no response was provided at the time of publication.
The calculated nature of this robbery reveals the stark security challenges confronting businesses.
The perpetrators’ deliberate entry through the delivery bay and immediate neutralisation of surveillance systems demonstrate a level of planning that demands a robust police response.
Authorities are now prioritising efforts to locate the getaway vehicle and identify the culprits through ongoing investigations. If you have any information that could assist the SAPS you are urged to contact them immediately.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
9 Responses
Wow. And we were there late afternoon. Staff showed no signs of distress. We salute them
Because they were told it’s business as usual my mom works there and she wasn’t okay at all after work
Oh my word i must have just left that is scary I hope they catch the suspects
Satelitel SAPS stations is must, we cannot rely on one police station in Newcastle. Too many exits give thives allowance to escape while waiting for the police. Thank you
Aibo… Gee it’s getting worse out there.. 😡😡😡
Just thankfull nobody got hurt or lost their lives
Now with these stupid new number plates…. It makes it harder to identify vehicles in this situation. But also thank God everyone is safe….
Most of the staff are traumatized… but was told business as usual. No trauma counseling as well. Very sad indeed. These workers have to endure so much and yet get disrespected at every turn.
My phone was last seen in wildebees Avenue police can start there it might still be there might not be there please do check its honer X5 plus