Town under siege by crime and violence
I welcome your feedback on the articles this week, so be sure to give me a call or drop me an email on 034 312 6021 or reveshni@caxton.co.za.
Dear Reader,
Newcastle is under siege.
At least, that’s the consensus on social media these days.
On an icy-cold Sunday night, Journalist, Tersia Gopi reported to the scene where two well-known local citizens had been shot dead in the CBD.
She described the ambience as chaotic and strangely surreal.
“Sirens were wailing and the crime scene was cordoned off. I immediately looked for the tell-tale silver sheet and I noticed another person lying next to the victim. The paramedics were attempting to resuscitate him. People were crying, while police were trying to keep them away from the scene.”
Tersia said it was a scene filled with emotion and the bitter tang of death permeating the air. Police then received a tip-off about the location of the suspects, and raced off to apprehend them.
Shortly thereafter, the second victim passed away.
“As journalists, we often have to be at scenes like this. Over the years, you become conditioned not to allow your emotions through and to push them to the side and concentrate on the victims, their families, and their stories. It’s heartbreaking though.”
With two dead and three injured in what was described as a ‘drive-by shooting’, social media went on red alert. Amid the outpouring of condolences and grief, one thing stood out: Newcastle seems to be making the national news for all the wrong reasons.
Read more about the shooting, as well as an exclusive interview with a witness, in this edition.
With the elections behind us and the votes counted, there are high hopes that the ruling party will live up to its promises for better service delivery, job creation and equality for all South Africans.
In Northern KwaZulu-Natal, there were a few issues on voting day. We have compiled a comprehensive report on these in this edition, and our journalists were at voting stations across Newcastle, listening to what you had to say.
I welcome your feedback on the articles this week, so be sure to give me a call or drop me an email on 034 312 6021 or reveshni@caxton.co.za.
If you’re stuck for something to do this weekend, why not support local, and head over to the bazaar at the NG Kerk Newcastle Suid in Arbor Park?
There will be lots to eat and fun for the whole family to enjoy! For more events, go to our What’s On column on page 16 in the Newcastle Advertiser.
ALSO READ: Editor’s note: Celebrating local success stories
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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za
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