Nine brass musical instruments worth over R100,000 were stolen from a youth church band in Samora Machel, Cape Town, and sold to a scrapyard for a fraction of their value.

The theft has left the community devastated, with Pastor Philiso Jefferey Jonas appealing for donations or financial contributions to replace the instruments.The stolen items included four tubas (each worth at least R18,000), two euphoniums (R9,000 each), a trombone (R3,000), and two alto horns (R4,000).The band, which started in 2008 with 12 members and now has around 48, plays a vital role in keeping young people engaged and away from the streets.

However, poor communication from police has delayed the investigation, as the case docket was not returned to the station after the first court appearance.The suspects were arrested but released on a warning, with a court date set for August 19.Jonas emphasized that the band is more than music—it's a place where youth learn discipline, respect, and teamwork while growing in their faith.