Police recover two firearms after armed robbery at New Brighton church
Gqeberha’s Flying Squad detained a 19-year-old suspect after a late-night incident that linked several men to an armed robbery at a church in New Brighton, police said.
The incident began on the evening of 19 September when police received information about armed suspects travelling in a maroon Isuzu bakkie. Officers trailed the vehicle to Mama Street, where they found about four occupants. According to the Eastern Cape provincial commissioner’s office, suspects allegedly exited the vehicle and opened fire at officers, who returned fire at the intersection of Avenue B and Mama Street.
One suspect was arrested after allegedly dropping a firearm while fleeing. A second firearm was found in the backyard of a nearby house where another suspect had reportedly run. No police officers were injured during the confrontation, police said.
Items recovered and links to church robbery
Police investigators have linked the group to a robbery at a church on Stofile Street, New Brighton. Church personnel preparing for a Sunday service were allegedly robbed of cash and cellphones before the suspects fled in the bakkie.
- Weapons recovered: a black 9mm Taurus with its serial number filed off and a black-and-brown 7.65mm firearm
- Ammunition: two live 9mm rounds and two live 7.65mm rounds, plus a magazine for each firearm
- Other items recovered: the maroon Isuzu bakkie, various catering equipment and tools, and two cellphones
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 9mm firearm | Black Taurus, serial number filed off; magazine and two live 9mm rounds |
| 7.65mm firearm | Black-and-brown firearm; magazine and two live 7.65mm rounds |
"He is expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court during the week."
The arrested 19-year-old faces a string of charges that, according to police, include attack on police, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of prohibited firearms, business robbery, armed robbery and hijacking. The investigation is ongoing and police said they are pursuing outstanding suspects.
What this means for New Brighton and wider Gqeberha
The high-profile nature of the offence — a robbery at a place of worship — has heightened concerns about safety in New Brighton. The recovery of firearms, including one with its serial number filed off, underscores the degree of criminal sophistication police say they faced.
For residents, the operation demonstrates an active response by the Flying Squad to tip-offs and intelligence, but it also raises questions about how firearms are getting into the local community and how vulnerable institutions such as churches can better protect staff and congregants preparing for services.
Police have not disclosed the amount of cash taken from the church. They also did not name any of the other suspects who fled, nor have they reported any further arrests at this stage. The bakkie and other items recovered will form part of the ongoing probe, police said.
As the matter progresses through the criminal-justice system, the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court will receive the arrested suspect. Local police are continuing follow-up operations to locate and arrest the remaining suspects linked to the robbery.
Residents with information relevant to the investigation are encouraged to contact their local police station. Community members and church leaders are likely to watch the court process closely as it may set the tone for future policing and security measures in the area.
Further updates will follow as court proceedings begin and the police release more detail on outstanding suspects.
