A terrifying incident unfolded in Motherwell, Gqeberha, where four armed men robbed school pupils, parents, and teachers during an award ceremony.
The event, held at a church in Mhlanga Street, NU12, on Friday, saw pupils from nearby schools gathered to receive their academic prizes.
The suspects, wearing surgical masks, fired shots into the ceiling before ordering everyone to lie on the ground.
They then stole 30 cellphones and made off with two vehicles, which were later abandoned further down the street.
The robbers also took a laptop, cellphone, and audiovisual equipment from one of the vehicles. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.
Police have opened a business robbery case, but no arrests have been made yet.
This robbery is the latest in a string of similar crimes in Gqeberha, including a recent incident where worshippers in New Brighton were robbed, and another armed robbery at DStv’s premises in Newtown Park.
The surge in crime has prompted new police minister Senzo Mchunu to visit Nelson Mandela Bay.
He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with President Cyril Ramaphosa about deploying the SA National Defence Force and declaring crime in the city a national disaster.