Latest news with #KarenWebb
Daily Maverick
15-07-2025
- Daily Maverick
Cash-in-transit ambush weapon linked to Gqeberha gun dealer Karen Webb's business
A revolver used in a deadly cash-in-transit ambush outside a KFC in Sidwell, Gqeberha has allegedly been tied to several firearms reportedly missing from the premises of Gqeberha gun dealer Karen Webb. The weapon forms part of a new murder charge added to her expanding case, which includes allegations of gun smuggling, fraud, and multiple violent crimes. Karen Webb had to wait another day before her formal bail application could begin in the Gqeberha Magistrates' Court after her legal team requested more time to prepare. Meanwhile, new details emerged of the growing number of charges she faces. On Monday, the State brought another murder charge against Webb. It has now emerged that the new murder charge relates to a violent cash-in-transit ambush that took place outside a KFC in Sidwell on Monday morning, 30 December 2024. The guards arrived around 10am at the fast food outlet at the intersection of Commercial Road and Wright Street, in one of the busiest parts of Gqeberha's city centre. Across the road is a bustling taxi rank and several other popular fast food stores, ensuring the area is always a hive of pedestrian activity. The guards arrived as scheduled to collect cash from the KFC, but their duties took a violent turn when they were ambushed by a group of suspected robbers. A shootout ensued. A guard, as well as one of the robbers, was fatally wounded. Police members rushed to the scene, where they quickly apprehended another suspect allegedly hiding in the KFC among staff members. The Hawks quickly took control of the crime scene, where an illegal firearm was recovered. That firearm, a revolver, was eventually linked to a series of firearms that allegedly went missing from Karen Webb's gun dealership. On Monday, this double murder was added to her expansive list of charges, which include another murder and several other counts of theft, fraud, firearms smuggling and providing firearms to people unlicensed to possess them. Webb returned to court on Tuesday, where her formal bail application was set to begin. However, her legal team asked for the matter to be postponed. Her attorney, Peter Daubermann, indicated that he required more time to prepare for the charges added to her case on Monday. Webb has been in custody since her arrest in February 2024, when several firearms belonging to another dealer, but stored at her premises, Webb's Arms, were linked to a series of violent crimes across the country. Webb faces three separate cases before the city's magistrates' court. The first, which court officials branded as the 'main case', relates to the allegations of murder, theft and several firearm-related offences. The second is a theft case in which her ex-husband, Arthur Webb, has accused her of selling his property after their divorce. His property included several household items, including furniture, and it is believed that the case involves about R3-million. The third matter pertains to allegations that Webb was found in possession of a cellphone on two occasions while awaiting trial at the North End prison. All three matters are scheduled to proceed on Wednesday. DM
The Herald
24-06-2025
- The Herald
Karen Webb granted bail — but fight for freedom continues
Embattled firearms dealer Karen Webb has been granted R10,000 bail after winning her appeal in the Makhanda high court on Tuesday — but she's not a free woman just yet. Webb, the owner of now defunct Webb's Arms in Gqeberha, was arrested in 2024 and was refused bail twice by the Gqeberha magistrate's court. Her lawyer Peter Daubermann then appealed the decision and argued that the charges against her — which include murder, fraud, and several firearms related offences — should not all be joined into one case. The high court agreed, ruling that the charges should be handled separately. But despite this bail victory, Webb remains behind bars. She still needs to apply for bail in the murder case. The Herald
News.com.au
06-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Karen Webb gives important advice for other women rising through the ranks
Outgoing Police Commissioner Karen Webb has some important advice for other women rising through the ranks of the NSW Police Force. 'To other women I would say stay positive, stay focused and keep your eyes wide open,' Commissioner Webb said. Commissioner Webb concedes she was 'naive' about some elements of the job and the negative impact it has had on her partner and children. 'I applied for the job thinking, 'well, I've been in every rank, I know the organisation', and when I got the position description it's actually advertised as a CEO, so you know, maybe naively, I thought 'well I can do all that' but what the expectation was, and what it turned out to be, is different I guess.' On her last day in the top job Commissioner Webb revealed to she will be using her extensive 38-year career in policing to help end the scourge of domestic violence. She said she is 'not done yet', and has accepted a role with NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison, looking to using her experience, expertise and compassion to continue working for victims. 'Monday is day one of a new challenge. My policing career has really been primarily about the victims and I'm certainly not done yet. I have a lot more to give,' Ms Webb said on Friday. 'I am at the peak of my professional career, my leadership career and I am looking forward to this opportunity and future opportunities.' Ms Webb confirmed in May she would step down after discussions with her family. The Commissioner said it was a sad day, but she was buoyed by the support of her colleagues, the constant stream of messages from troops on the ground since she announced her retirement. 'I was stopped for a random breath test on my way back home to Boorowa one weekend and the officer, I didn't know her, she said she was really sad I was leaving,' Commissioner Webb said. 'I told her that I was really sad too. I mean there's lots of 'I'm happy' at the same time, happy to take the pressure off my family, happy at what I have achieved, but it's also sad. 'I've never been one to look back, because you can't change the past, but it's with a tinge of sadness as well. It's been a big part of my life, almost my entire professional life, for 38 years.' Ms Webb has been forced to deal with internal detractors leaking against her and constant criticism of her performance in front of the cameras for most of her tenure. She maintains she is a police officer, not a media personality, and her priority has always been to put her troops first. 'The headlines are there for everyone to see, they have been there for the entire three years of me in this role, so people can make up their minds about their assessments of my performance, I will leave that to public opinion not sections of Sydney.' She concedes she may have been 'naive' about some elements of the job and the negative impact it has had on her partner and children. 'I applied for the job thinking, 'well, I've been in every rank, I know the organisation', and when I got the position description it's actually advertised as a CEO, so you know, maybe naively, I thought 'well I can do all that' but what the expectation was, and what it turned out to be, is different I guess.' Ms Webb became the first woman appointed to become NSW police commissioner in February 2022, and led the force through a series of major events, including the Bondi Junction stabbings, the Dural caravan 'fake terrorism plot', and the alleged double murder of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies by a serving officer. She came under fire for comments she made, thanking alleged murderer Beau Lamarre-Condon for providing information about the location of the bodies and for opting not to watch footage of police officer Kristian White tasering 95-year-old Clare Nowland. Ms Webb was also investigated over the taxpayer-funded purchase of 50 bottles of gin which were handed out as gifts and charity donations. She was cleared of wrongdoing but cautioned that she should have disclosed her relationship with the gin supplier.  Reflecting on her three-and a half years in the top job, Ms Webb said she has 'never been one to look back, because you can't change the past'. 'I'm proud of what I have achieved, the changes I have made and police officers have always been my priority,' she said. 'I've walked in the officers' shoes, I started out as a constable and I have worked in all sorts of different roles and locations across the state, so I understand the challenges, the things they face.' In her new position the Commissioner will draw on the experiences and lessons learned by other states and territories in order to devise a framework to be presented back to the state Government by the end of September. She will work closely with general practitioners, allied health professions, childcare providers and lawyers in her new position - people with trusted relationships with victims-survivors. 'I think I have a lot to give in this space,' she said. 'The issue of DV is an urgent one, so we need to do everything we can as soon as we can to make sure we are helping victims and survivors the best way we can.' Ms Webb has held a passion for domestic violence work since her early days in general duties. 'Back in 1987 I worked in child abuse, dealing with victims and their families, then dealing with sexual assault, the victims and their families, so really a lot of my career has been around victims, particularly gender based violence and victims that don't have a voice. 'DV only became an offense the same time I joined the police, there has been so much change so really the next critical step in assisting victims and survivors, but also preventing domestic violence.' She said some of the most traumatic cases that have stuck in her mind during her time as commissioner are the brutal deaths of Danielle Finlay-Jones, Molly Ticehurst and Mackenzie Anderson. 'I guess the deaths of those three women have really stayed in my mind, because of the violent nature of the offending and the deadly consequences.' In a parting gift to her officers Ms Webb announced a new DV tool in the police arsenal, that will mean spending more time with victims. The mobile tool officers carry on jobs now allows them to complete log the full details of a 'DV episode' at the scene of an incident, apply for and serve ADVOS at the scene and see automated alerts relating to an offender's domestic violence history. 'This will mean police officers can spend more time with victims, cuts the paperwork and saves them time so they can be out responding to jobs rather than being tied up with paperwork.' Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison told 'I'm pleased that Commissioner Webb will be working with us in this new capacity as we continue our work to build a safer New South Wales. 'Commissioner Webb has spent years on the frontlines of addressing domestic, family and sexual violence. She has been a vocal advocate on the urgency to address this crisis and women's safety. 'I welcome her expertise and experience as we implement a New South Wales Common Approach to Safety.' The Minister said Commissioner Webb 'has spent years responding to domestic and family violence when it reaches a crisis point and knows how important it is that we strengthen our prevention and early intervention approaches'. 'The Common Approach to Safety framework is a key piece of work, which the government is investing in, to make sure workforces outside of the specialist domestic violence services can recognise, respond and refer any disclosures of abuse. 'This is a nationwide crisis, and it is important that all states and territories work together to address it. Commissioner Webb will play an essential role in consulting with other jurisdictions to ensure we are taking informed action that works. There's no doubt we can learn from what has and has not worked for other governments.' Ms Webb's replacement Peter Thurtell said on Friday that his predecessor should be 'proud for the rest of her life' of what she has achieved. 'The New South Wales Police Force was formed in 1862 when they merged a number of policing organisations and since that time, approximately 70,000 people have been members. Only 23 of those 70,000 have ever made it to the top, and only one of those 23 has ever been a female,' Mr Thurtell said. 'Our organisation will miss a leader with compassion who has the ability to relate to the men and women of the organisation. And I know I've said this to it before, but someone who's sharp as a tack.' Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith said Ms Webb had been a leader who supported and guided her troops while 'instilling authentic, humble and elegant leadership'. 'I think there is fundamentally in terms of what ma'am has brought to our organization an absolute focus on making sure that our people are our most valuable asset and placed first. 'We have really seen a change in our culture around respect, pride and trust, they are all the things our commissioner embodies. It's a sad day.' A little known fact about the outgoing leader is her ability to handle a weapon. Asked about rumours she remains one of the top shots at annual weapons training, she said 'Oh I don't know about that, I'm not too bad'. After a little more prodding she reluctantly reveals she's been getting close to perfect scores for the past 38 years. 'I don't find shooting hard, but yeah it's not everyone's comfort zone. But I was trained on the old Smith and Wesson, which is really quite hard to shoot with. So now these new Glocks and things, they seem much easier compared to that.' Commissioner Webb won't buy into the contest nor give her opinion on the contenders to replace her. Instead she is offering advice for rising females.
The Herald
27-05-2025
- General
- The Herald
Bail lifeline for Gqeberha firearms dealer Karen Webb
Beleaguered firearms dealer Karen Webb was shown a glimmer of hope on Tuesday when an application to prevent the joinder of the cases against her was granted. This means the matter against the 41-year-old will go to trial only once her third shot at bail in the Makhanda high court has been finalised. Webb, who faces a laundry list of charges, including murder, theft, fraud, illegal transportation of firearms and selling firearms to people not permitted to possess them, has been in custody since her arrest in February 2024, and has been refused bail twice. Her lawyers are now awaiting a court date from the Makhanda high court to hear her appeal against the refusal of bail. Subsequent to her bail being refused, more charges were brought against her. She decided to abandon a formal bail application in those cases as it would be moot in light of her previous failed bail applications. The state wanted to join all the cases against her, but defence attorney Peter Daubermann brought an urgent application to keep the matters separate. This is as a successful appeal could reopen the door for her to bring bail applications in respect of the latest charges. The application, in the Gqeberha magistrate's court, was not opposed by state advocate Liezel Landman. Landman previously indicated that the state was ready to proceed with the trial, but that will now commence only once the bail appeal has been concluded. The matter will return to court on July 14. Webb will return to court on another matter on June 5, when she is scheduled to stand trial for possession of contraband after she was allegedly found in possession of a cellphone on two separate occasions while in custody at the North End Prison. The Herald
ABC News
27-05-2025
- ABC News
NSW police commissioner cleared of misconduct over alleged leaking of Bondi victim's name
Outgoing NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been cleared of misconduct allegations after she was accused of releasing the name of Bondi Junction stabbing victim Dawn Singleton to former talkback host Ray Hadley on the day of the attack. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) said on Tuesday that it received a complaint that Commissioner Webb "breached the NSW Police Force Media Policy by releasing the confidential details of a deceased person … prior to the deceased's next of kin being notified". On April 13 last year, Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured 10 with a knife during a rampage at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Sydney's east. 2GB radio host Ben Fordham on Tuesday recounted Hadley's versions of events. "It was the commissioner's way of saying it without saying it." Fordham said Hadley called the police commissioner on behalf of Ms Singleton's father, prominent businessman John Singleton. "He [Mr Singleton] said, 'I think my Dawnie is one of those who lost their life, and I can't confirm it,'" Hadley recounted on Fordham's show. The LECC said the investigation was concluded in March this year and that it was "satisfied that there was no misconduct by the Commissioner of Police in relation to this matter". The ABC reached out to NSW Police for comment. A coronial inquest into the stabbing attack remains underway to investigate the lessons that can be learned. Sue Chrysanthou, SC, the lawyer representing some victims' families, including Ms Singleton's, questioned Assistant Police Commissioner Peter McKenna on Tuesday. Victims of crime cannot be identified by police until their next of kin have been informed, have had reasonable time to tell others, and have given consent for identification, the court heard. Assistant Commissioner McKenna agreed under cross-examination that the code of conduct and ethics applied to "all police officers", including the police commissioner in relation to the release of information publicly. However, he emphasised that policies in place were "guidelines". "There are certain circumstances with some nuances where you may have to step outside of [them]," he said. Ms Chrysanthou said some of her clients "think there's been a major issue" that "hasn't been appropriately dealt with". Neither Dawn Singleton nor Ray Hadley were named in this line of inquiry. The hearing, in its last week, continues.
