Four armed men robbed school pupils, parents, and teachers during an award ceremony in Motherwell, Gqeberha. The incident happened on Friday, August 9.
The pupils had gathered in a church on Mhlanga Street, NU12, to receive their academic awards. The robbers fired shots into the ceiling to create panic. In a video that went viral on social media, a group of people are sitting inside a building as names are called. Those whose names were called stood and went up to the front. While the event was in progress, gun shots were fired and people started screaming in as they panicked.
A parent told Ezitshisayo that the men wore masks and ordered everyone to lie on the ground. They then stole phones, laptops, and other items before fleeing the scene.
Police spokesperson Capt Andre Beetge said the robbers took 30 cellphones and two vehicles. The vehicles were later abandoned down the street. They also stole a laptop, cellphone, and audiovisual equipment from one of the cars. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
A business robbery case has been filed at Motherwell police station. Capt Beetge said no arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
This robbery comes a week after worshippers in New Brighton, Gqeberha, were also robbed during a similar incident.
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