Armed men stormed a church in Samora Machel in Cape Town during service robbing the church and its congregants.
Image: screenshot
Police in the Western Cape have confirmed the arrest of five suspects after a church robbery in Samora Machel.
On Sunday, armed men entered an ongoing church service and robbed the church of its equipment and congregants of their personal belongings at the AFM Jericho City of Praise.
A video of the robbery is being shared across social media platforms.
In a video, two women are conducting praise and worship when their body language immediately changes, and fear creeps across their faces.
An armed man makes his way to the front and stands in front of the pulpit, brandishing his firearm.
The provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed the robbery.
“Following a robbery at a church in Samora Machel on Sunday, June 7, 2026, where armed suspects entered a church building and robbed the congregants of personal belongings and church equipment, members of the Tactical Response Team, Provincial, and Samora Machel detectives started with an investigation and tracing operations in a bid to bring the perpetrators to book,” Twigg said.
Police managed to track and trace the suspects on Tuesday.
“Their efforts paid off on Tuesday morning, June 9, when the members arrested five suspects between the ages of 27 and 39. Some of the items that were taken during the robbery were also recovered during the operation. The suspects are facing charges for business robbery and the possession of stolen property,” Twigg said.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
IOL