Five suspects were arrested on Tuesday 9 June in connection with a church robbery that occurred in Samora Machel on Sunday 7 June. They are facing charges of business robbery and possession of stolen property.

Provincial police spokesperson Sgt Wesley Twigg said that following the robbery, in which armed suspects entered a church and robbed congregants of their personal belongings and church equipment, members of the Tactical Response Team, provincial detectives and Samora Machel detectives launched an investigation and tracing operation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Police make breakthrough in arrests

“Their efforts paid off on Tuesday morning (9 June) when members arrested five suspects between the ages of 27 and 39. Some of the items stolen during the robbery were also recovered during the operation. The suspects are facing charges of business robbery and possession of stolen property,” said Twigg.

He said the suspects are expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 11 June, on the mentioned charges.

Video captures terrifying church robbery

A video circulating on social media shows congregants singing with microphones before suddenly stopping and taking their seats. Moments later, a man carrying a firearm enters the church. He can be heard greeting the congregants before instructing them to hand over their cellphones and threatening to shoot them if they failed to comply.

ALSO READ: Armed men rob church congregants during service in Samora Machel

Community welcomes arrests

A Samora Machel community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, condemned the actions of the armed men who entered the church during a service and robbed congregants of their belongings as well as the church’s sound system.

He described the robbery as “unholy” and said crime in the area had reached alarming levels.

“It shocked everyone because we regard the church as a safe space. We never expected criminals to rob church members during a service. The church is respected as a holy place. Most people come from Christian families and are taught to respect the church. Where was the conscience of these criminals when they robbed the congregants?” he asked.

He urged law enforcement authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.