On Monday, 5 May 2025, a group of armed robbers targeted churchgoers in Greenfields, Booysens Park, Gqeberha.

According to a police statement, five masked men barged into the church during a service, robbing about 50 church members of their cellphones and other valuables.

The Robbery Details

The suspects didn’t just stop there—they made off with the church priest’s white Toyota RAV4, which was later found abandoned in the Chatty 5 area.

SAPS have since seized the vehicle for forensic analysis.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying the criminals.

Police Arrest Suspect in Kidnapping Case

In another troubling crime, the SAPS in the Eastern Cape made a breakthrough in a kidnapping case.

On Monday, 5 May 2025, a 32-year-old man was abducted after being approached, stabbed, and shoved into the boot of the suspect’s car.

His own vehicle was hijacked, later found burned beyond recognition near the Bisho off-ramp along the N2.

Kidnap Victim Held Hostage

The victim was held for several days while the suspects demanded his cellphone, bank card, and PIN numbers.

The police later tracked down the victim, with the help of an intensive investigation and cooperation from the community.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Hawks’ Interim Kidnapping Task Team and local residents, a 23-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the kidnapping.

Upcoming Court Appearance

The arrested suspect is set to appear in the Qonce Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 7 May 2025.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and work on bringing justice to the victim.