CRIME SCENE: Samora Machel, Cape Town: The police made a breakthrough in the Samora-church robbery case when they arrested five suspects on Tuesday morning, 9 June 2026.

Members of the South African Police Service’s Tactical Response Team, provincial and Samora Machel detectives started with an investigation and tracing operations following the robbery on Sunday, 7 June 2026.,

Armed suspects stormed the church while church members worshipped and robbed the congregants of personal belongings and church equipment.

The suspects arrested on Tuesday morning were between the ages of 27 and 39-years-old.

According to the police some of the items taken during the robbery were also recovered. The suspects are facing charges of business robbery and the possession of stolen property.

They are due to appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ court on Thursday, 11 June 2026.