A school award ceremony held at a church in Mhlanga Street, NU12, Motherwell on Friday, August 9, was disrupted by four armed male suspects who stormed the premises, firing two shots into the ceiling.
The suspects demanded valuables, making off with 30 cellphones, a laptop, audiovisual equipment, and two vehicles – a VW Polo and VW Tiguan.
“We condemn this brazen act of violence and are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects,” said Captain Andre Beetge of SAPS. “Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in bringing these perpetrators to justice.”
This comes a few days after congregants were robbed at a New Brighton church in Gqeberha. The incident, which occurred at around 19:20 on August 5, at Assemblies of God in New Brighton, saw four armed men enter the church, fire a gunshot in the air, and rob congregants of their personal belongings, including four cell phones and a laptop, before fleeing the scene.
A business robbery case has been opened at SAPS Motherwell, and investigations are ongoing. “No arrest has been made, police investigation is underway,” Beetge concluded.
