Philippi detectives are investigating a case of house robbery after a surprise birthday party in Browns Farm was targeted by armed suspects over the weekend – an incident captured on video that has since gone viral across social media platforms, reports Cape {town} Etc.
According to Western Cape police, the robbery took place on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at a home in Sixwayikati Street, Browns Farm, Philippi. Three unknown men allegedly arrived at the residence pretending to be guests attending the celebration.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that the suspects were ‘greeted warmly and even hugged the victims’ before briefly leaving the house and returning with a firearm.
‘They went out and came back with a firearm, demanding cell phones and money,’ Gwala said, adding that the suspects fled with 12 cellphones, R130 in cash and alcohol.
‘No arrest has been made yet, investigation is ongoing,’ concluded Gwala.
Footage of the robbery, widely shared across platforms, shows the moment panic erupts inside the residence. While it remains unclear whether a loud bang heard in the clip was a gunshot or a balloon popping, party guests are seen scrambling as a result of the noise. The video also ends shortly after.
In the video, it is believed that one suspect is seen slapping a guest while another moves through the room robbing partygoers of their belongings.
The footage was shared online by a family member (@KingMntungwa), who confirmed that the gathering was a surprise party for his uncle. In his post he wrote:
Mind you, this happened inside the house, not in the yard…Three men barged in, shot inside the house, took 12 phones and there was a toddler in the house as well.
He further alleged that the suspects assaulted several family members and forced guests at gunpoint to remove passwords and tracking features from their devices.
Guys please be vigilant, and whatever you do inside your house or in the yard keep your gates secured. All three attacked my father, they smacked his sister and they threaten[ed] to kill my mother. They also gunpointed everyone to remove their passwords and tracking devices.
The surprise robbery comes just a few weeks after a deadly shooting took place at a shebeen in Marikana, Philippi East, where ten people were shot on 17 January.
A 19-year-old accused facing nine counts of murder has since appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court in connection with the incident, Cape {town} Etc previously reported.
These recent incidents has re-ignited concerns about violent crimes in the area, which has been under increased scrutiny following a series of deadly shootings.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Also read:
Alleged extortionist arrest probe deepens in Mfuleni settlement
Picture: Screenshot from video
