Keypoints:
- Fifty phones stolen during a church robbery in Gqeberha.
- Pastor’s wife’s vehicle hijacked, later recovered in Chatty.
- Second church robbery raises alarm over targeted church crimes.
Congregants Held at Gunpoint in Booysens Park
GQEBERHA, South Africa — Police in Chatty, Eastern Cape, are investigating a Gqeberha church armed robbery that unfolded on Sunday evening in Booysens Park. Five armed men stormed the church and targeted worshippers during a religious service.
According to Capt. André Beetge, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), the attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on May 5. The armed suspects entered the church on Gallant Street in Greenfields and demanded valuables at gunpoint.
“They stole about 50 cellphones and other belongings from congregants,” Beetge said. “The robbers then fled in a white Toyota RAV4 owned by the pastor’s wife.”
Soon after, police recovered the abandoned vehicle in Chatty. SAPS investigators transported it for forensic analysis.
Fortunately, no one sustained injuries during the robbery. SAPS urges anyone with relevant information to call Detective Constable Enrique Louw at +27 71 570 0628. Alternatively, community members can contact Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.
Separate Robbery at Tea Estate Church Raises Concern
Meanwhile, another violent robbery occurred at the Emmanuel Community Church in Spring Place, Tea Estate. This incident, although separate, mirrored the Gqeberha church armed robbery in its approach and aggression.
CCTV footage from the church captured a masked suspect holding the pastor at gunpoint. Shockingly, this happened mid-sermon, in front of the congregation.
The gunman robbed the pastor of his belongings and unplugged a television. He then calmly walked away carrying it.
Prem Balram, spokesperson for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), said about 25 people attended the service, including children.
“Just after 8 p.m., multiple congregation members called us,” Balram explained. “They reported that five armed men had just robbed them, hijacked three vehicles, and taken several mobile phones and valuables.”
According to witnesses, the robbers also locked several children inside the toilets while they looted the building.
Police Investigating Possible Links Between Incidents
Although police have not confirmed any connection between the two church robberies, they are actively investigating both cases. The similar tactics used by the suspects have raised concern in religious communities.
Undoubtedly, the Gqeberha church armed robbery and the Tea Estate incident highlight a disturbing trend. Churches in Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal now face rising threats from armed criminals.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses as part of their investigations.
