Cops put the brakes on crime

While statistics depict a noteworthy decline in crime in KwaZulu-Natal, the residents of Newcastle fall victim to the lawlessness of others on a daily basis.

Here are the reports issued by the SAPS Corporate Communications department regarding the most recent cases:

Shop owner assaulted and robbed

A shop owner was recently assaulted and robbed by five men wearing balaclavas.

According to the victim, he was about to leave for Gauteng to stock up on goods for his store when the suspects confronted him.

One of the perpetrators was reportedly shot in the shoulder during the scuffle.

The victim claimed the men made off with about R60 000 in cash.

Local authorities have yet to arrest the suspects. However, they are following up on every possible lead.

Man charged for possession of an unlicensed firearm

Police recently received a complaint of domestic violence at a home in Ncandu Park.

Upon searching the property, police found a man in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The 35-year-old suspect could not provide proof of ownership and was charged accordingly.

He is expected to appear before a Newcastle court soon.

Suspect linked to robbery case

While conducting stop-and-search operations in the Central Business District, police arrested a man in possession of a stolen laptop.

The 25-year-old suspect could not furnish police with documentation proving he was the owner of the laptop.

While under interrogation, police linked the suspect to a recent robbery case. He was charged for theft and has already made his first appearance in court. The aforementioned cases remain the subject of police investigations.