NEWCASTLE – Two men sustained serious injuries in an alleged gang fight at the Jordan Street parking lot on Voortrekker Street, on Saturday, December 3.
Newcastle 911 lead responder, Imran Ghafoor, was patrolling the area when he noticed a group of five men fighting.
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“I observed from a distance and came to the understanding the altercation was gang related, so I summoned police assistance.”
Mr Ghafoor said after a few minutes, the men pulled out knives and started to stab one another, before three of them fled the scene.
Apparently, one of the men sustained five stab wounds and the other too many to count.
Mr Ghafoor could see both men were in desperate need of medical treatment, and he called for an ambulance.
The men were treated on scene and taken to Madadeni Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Lizzy Arumugam confirmed the stabbing and said a case of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm was opened on behalf of one of the injured men.
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“Luckily, there were no fatalities. However, the exact cause of the fight is still unclear at this stage, as the men are hospitalised.”
Investigations will proceed as soon as the victim’s statements are received.
SAPS has issued tips to help ensure the safety of residents when frequenting the CBD area:
– Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.
– Know where you’re going and the safest way to get there, particularly at night. Walk or run in busy and well-lit areas, avoiding short cuts through alleys and parking lots.
– Have a plan of action in mind. Decide where you would go and what you would do should a dangerous situation occur. Know where the nearest police station is located and how to contact the police in the event of an emergency.
– Walk with confidence on the street and at a good, steady pace. Keep your head up, observe your surroundings, and don’t look down at the ground.
– Carry a whistle or similar type of noisemaker. In the event of an emergency, the sound may scare off a would-be attacker.
– Take extra precautions when jogging or biking. Vary your route, go with a friend, and avoid isolated areas.
– Do not wear headphones or listen to music. These can distract you from being aware of your surroundings and who may be approaching you.
– Keep purses and packages tucked securely between your arms and body. Don’t overload yourself with packages and bags; it is distracting and can make you look defenceless.
– Carry only what you need. Don’t carry a large amount of cash or numerous credit cards and avoid wearing flashy and excessive amounts of jewellery.
– Exercise caution when using ATM machines. Only use ATMs located in well-lit, well-trafficked areas. Those physically located in stores are the safest.
If you are being followed:
– Show you are suspicious and turn to look at the person. It sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
– Change directions. If someone is following you on foot, cross the street and vary your pace. If the person following you is in a car, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
– Go into the nearest store or public place. If the person follows you, ask to use (or find) a phone and call for help. If there isn’t a store or public area nearby, keep moving. If you have to scream (or blow your whistle) to draw attention to your situation, do it.
If you are robbed:
– Do not resist, especially if you know or believe the robber to be armed. The best course of action is to hand over money and whatever other belongings are demanded as quickly as possible and try to disengage from this confrontational, and potentially dangerous situation. Remember, belongings can always be replaced, but you cannot.
– Try to remain calm. Note the robber’s appearance and report the crime immediately to the police.
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