By Bulelwa Hoala

- A 32-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested and remains in custody after allegedly vandalising two angel statues worth about R350 000 at Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein.
- The suspect appeared in court on 2 June on a charge of malicious damage to property, with the case postponed to 22 July for further investigation.
- Police say the statues were damaged on 14 May 2026, and the suspect was arrested after investigators followed up on information that helped identify and locate him.
Police have arrested a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national in connection with the vandalism of two angel statues valued at approximately R350 000 at Holy Trinity Church in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
The man appeared in court on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, on a charge of malicious damage to property. The case was postponed to 22 July for further investigation, and he remains in custody.
According to the South African Police Service, the incident took place on Thursday, 14 May 2026, when the suspect entered the church without interacting with anyone. He allegedly walked directly to the two angel statues, damaged them, and then left the premises.
A case of malicious damage to property was subsequently opened at Hillbrow Police Station, and an investigation was launched.
Video footage of the incident later circulated widely on social media, drawing public attention to the case.
The breakthrough came on Saturday, 30 May, when police acted on a tip-off, leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest.
Johannesburg District Commissioner Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka encouraged members of the public to continue working with law enforcement agencies by sharing information that can assist in the fight against crime.
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