• Five armed men stormed a church and took phones and valuables from about 50 people before fleeing in the priest’s car.

• The same church was also robbed last year, and a US missionary was kidnapped in another incident nearby in April.

Gqeberha police are investigating yet another church robbery after five armed and masked men held up about 50 congregants during a Monday evening service.

According to police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge, the gunmen burst into the church in Greenshields, Booysens Park, at around 6:30pm.

“The incident occurred on 5 May 2025 at approximately 18:30 when five armed and masked men stormed the church and robbed around 50 congregants of their cellphones and other valuables,” Beetge said.

The gang then fled in the priest’s white Toyota RAV4, which was later found dumped in Chatty 5. Police have sent the vehicle for forensic testing.

Beetge urged anyone with information to contact Detective Constable Enrique Louw at 071 570 0628 (SAPS Chatty) or to call Crime Stop anonymously at 08600 10111.

This is the latest in a series of church attacks in the area.

In April, a US missionary who had moved to South Africa to start a church was kidnapped in front of his family and followers. He was rescued after a shootout between police and the kidnappers in KwaDwesi.

Last year, in August, another Gqeberha church was attacked. Worshippers had to dive for cover as gunshots rang through the building. The robbers got away with phones, bags and cash.

Pictured above: A police vehicle.

Image source: Facebook