The Uninvited Guests: Armed Robbers Infiltrate Cape Town Birthday Party in Philippi

A family’s celebration in Philippi, Cape Town, turned into a nightmare when three armed men, welcomed as guests, revealed themselves to be violent robbers. The incident, captured in a now-viral video, shows the chilling moment a surprise birthday party was invaded by criminals who first hugged their victims, then held them at gunpoint.

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the suspects arrived at the home and were “greeted warmly and even hugged the victims.” After this disarming welcome, they left briefly, only to return with a firearm. They then demanded cellphones and money, making off with 12 phones, R130 in cash, and alcohol.

Terror Captured on Camera

The viral footage shows the chaotic aftermath. A loud popunclear whether a gunshot or balloonsends partygoers scrambling. One suspect is seen slapping a guest, while another rushes through the room collecting belongings. The host, a user on X (formerly Twitter) with the handle @KingMntungwa, confirmed his family was hosting a surprise for his uncle.

“Three men barged in, shot inside the house, took 12 phones, and there was a toddler in the house as well,” he wrote. In a harrowing account, he detailed how the robbers attacked his father, slapped his aunt, threatened to kill his mother, and forced everyone at gunpoint to remove passwords and tracking from their devices.

A Stark Warning on “Safety” at Home

The brazen attack has left the community shaken, highlighting how violence can penetrate even the most intimate and guarded gatherings. The host’s online warning was stark: “Be vigilant, even when at home, and ensure all gates are secured.”

Police have opened a case of house robbery. As of Monday morning, no arrests have been made, and the search for the three suspects continues. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the audacity of criminals and the vulnerability that persists behind closed doors, where a hug can be a prelude to a robbery.

{Source: IOL}

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