When there’s something strange in your neighbourhood – Call Newcastle 911 CPF

While most residents are tucked into a warm bed, there are some volunteers who brave the dark winter nights to keep the townspeople safe.

During the month of July, burglaries and collisions kept Newcastle 911 Community Policing Forum busy.

Members of Newcastle 911 responded to a number of burglary incidents, the first occurring at the Ncandu Park shopping complex and the second at a private residence. In both instances, the burglars managed to flee before members arrived.

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The volunteers did recover an abandoned taxi in a field behind the shopping complex however, which may assist in further investigations.

Both matters were handed over to SAPS for further investigation.

One of the more unusual incidences Newcastle 911 responded to, was a BOLO (be on the lookout) regarding a truck transporting an alleged shipment of stolen maize.

The truck, travelling between Volksrust and Newcastle, was apparently under escort. While members responded to the reports and went out in search of the convoy, the truck and escort vehicle managed to evade pursuit and have not been spotted since.

Later in the month, a local security company reported seeing a man who was covered in blood, running away from someone or something. Security guards then gave chase.

The man was eventually stopped by the guards, who also contacted a local ambulance service to treat his injuries. SAPS officials took the man into custody and later linked him to a case of fraud in Madadeni.
It is still unclear what he was running away from.

In terms of collisions, the most serious incident in recent weeks occurred at the intersection of Hunter Street and Victoria Avenue, where a cyclist was struck and injured by a vehicle.

Newcastle 911 members found the cyclist bleeding from a head wound and and suffering from chest pains.
He was transported to Madadeni Hopsital for further treatment. Members also attended two collisions on Drakensberg Drive, one near the old Monte Vista Casino and the other a reported hit-and-run.

Both incidents resulted in injuries, and SAPS attended to the hit-and-run incident.

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Other collisions included a vehicle smashing into a lamp post on the corner of Victoria and Hibuscus Avenues, and a collision involving a car and a tree on the Amajuba Pass.

It is believed the driver was flung from his vehicle.

Having sustained critical injuries, the driver was stabilised on scene by medics before being transported to hospital to receive further treatment.

Newcastle 911 has also played an instrumental role in bringing two drug dealers to book. Responding to a tip off from a member of the public, members learned of two houses being used for the sale of drugs.

The CPF thanked Warrant Officers Henk, Dlomo and their crew for assisting in the arrest of two suspects.

Before reporting an incident to the Newcastle 911 Control Room, be aware of the following:

•  Make sure you have downloaded the Zello App, in order to get in contact with the CPF.
• Make sure of the details of a situation before calling in to the Control Room.
• Be cautious of suspicious people and vehicles in your area.
• Try and give a detailed description of the make and model of a vehicle and registration number if possible.
• With people, try and give a detailed description of the clothing they are wearing. Members of the community are reminded that Newcastle 911 is a voluntary CPF group, and members who respond to complaints use their own transport, at their own cost.

Anyone willing to assist with sponsorships can contact the forum via Facebook: Newcastle 911 Community Policing.

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