Cape Town – A surprise birthday party in Philippi, Cape Town, turned into a violent robbery on over the weekend when three men posing as guests threatened family members with firearms and stole cellphones, cash, and alcohol, police said.
The suspects were initially welcomed by the family before returning with a firearm to demand valuables.
Police reported that the robbers made off with 12 cellphones, R130 in cash, and alcohol.
We need to find these criminals. A family was having a surprise party inside their home in Phillipi, Cape Town, when criminals broke in & stole 12 phones. They held everyone at gunpoint & forced them to remove their passwords. Someone out there knows who these criminals are. pic.twitter.com/jAylBngyRu
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 2, 2026
No arrests have been made, and a house robbery case is under investigation.
A video of the incident has gone viral, showing one suspect slapping a guest while others stole personal items.
Family members confirmed a toddler was present during the attack and warned social media users to remain vigilant at home and secure all gates, IOL reported.
Good day everyone so yesterday my mother and father and other family members held a surprise party for my father’s brother in phillipi mind u this happened inside the house not in the yard inside the house than three man barged in shot inside the house took 12 phones and there… pic.twitter.com/yQRnxwntGS
— Black-Jesus💧 (@KingMntungwa) February 2, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
