EASTERN CAPE – swift response by Thornhill detectives, Komani Crime Prevention, and Provincial Traffic officials led to the arrest of three male suspects aged between 21 and 29 for allegations of theft of church property and a motor vehicle.
It is alleged that during the night of Monday, 28 July 2025, between 19:00 and 05:00 the following morning, the suspects broke into Peace House Church located at Phakamisa Locality, Thornhill Administration Area. With no one present at the church during that time, the suspects reportedly stole two desktop computers, two laptops, two cellphones, and a music system.
To make off with the stolen items, the trio allegedly loaded them into a vehicle which also belonged to the church and fled the scene. The crime was discovered the following morning, and a case was immediately opened at Thornhill SAPS.
Upon receiving the report, the station commander swiftly mobilised resources, calling on the support of Komani Crime Prevention and Provincial Traffic to assist in tracking down the suspects. Later that day, at approximately 16:00 on Tuesday, 29 July 2025, the suspects were apprehended on the R67 road between Komani and Whittlesea.
All the stolen items, including the church vehicle, were successfully recovered during the arrest.
The three suspects are expected to appear before the Ntabethemba Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of theft of a motor vehicle and business burglary.
The Chris Hani District Commissioner, Major General Rudolph Adolph, applauded the collaborative effort and swift action by the involved teams, commending their dedication to combating crime and ensuring justice is served.
