A pair of young men, aged 18, have been arrested for their alleged participation in a robbery in a New Brighton church , Gqeberha (PE) in the Eastern Cape on 5 August.
While the congregation was conducting a sermon just before 7.30 pm, four armed men entered the Assemblies of God church and one fired a shot in the air. The frightened members of the congregation dived for cover on the floor between the bench rows and in the aisles. Congregants were searched and cash, mobile phones and other belongings, including a laptop, were stolen.
The pair were arrested at Zwide this past weekend according to EC police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa. SAPS New Brighton Task team comprising of detectives and crime prevention unit members operationalised information and proceeded to the suspects’ homes where they were arrested after investigation by the team. The suspects face charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Through investigations police discovered that one of the suspects is out on free bail after he was arrested for possession of unlicensed firearm and stolen vehicle in July 2024. The task team is continuing with investigation, and more arrests are imminent.
The arrested pair appeared in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on 12 August and are remanded in custody. They are due to reappear in court on 20 August for formal bail application.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene , is appreciative of the efforts by police members in securing the arrest of those who were behind the church robbery. “This sends a strong message to the perpetrators that police are content in combating crime, and we will not recline in fighting crime and bringing suspects to justice,” she said. “We have pledged to ensure the safety and security of our citizens, and police will work behind the clock to guarantee the public that we will leave no stones unturned.”
