Violent robberies increase!

There is no denying the economic pinch.

Across the country, citizens are experiencing the strains of the drooping South African economy. Statistically, unemployment will rise and so too will crime.

A spate of armed robberies around Newcastle has police concerned, and residents are warned to be vigilant. In four incidents across Newcastle, deadly force was either used or threatened from robbers armed with either firearms or knives.

In the veld behind Farmers Hall, two suspects allegedly held a victim up at gunpoint before robbing him of his cellphone and cash. In another incident, the driver of a white Ford Bantam bakkie robbed a pedestrian on Albert Wessels Drive,

“The driver allegedly stopped to help the pedestrian, before holding him up and robbing him of his cash and his cellphone,” explained a source. The incident occurred at approximately 6pm.

Another victim was stabbed three times by two men on the corner of Hospital and Allen Streets. Allegedly, the suspects approached the victim casually at 7pm on Saturday, before pulling him aside and stabbing him, thereafter taking his cellphone and cash.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution as well, should they find themselves stranded on the roadside, after a motorist was robbed on the N11 near the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) office building.

“The victim was fixing his punctured tyre, when another motorist stopped to assist him. The unknown motorist pulled out a knife and robbed the motorist of his jacket and cellphone,” confirmed the source.

This incident also occurred on Saturday, at approximately 6pm.