Historic Holy Trinity Church Vandalized: Statues and Altar Damaged
Johannesburg – The heavy marble statues of the archangels and the altar at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein have been vandalized.
It was reported that the statues were forcibly removed from their plinths and shattered on the ground on Thursday, 14 May 2026.
Leanne De Jager, a Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL in Gauteng, expressed her dismay regarding the vandalism on Monday, 18 May 2026, stating that her party is “deeply shocked and saddened by the senseless desecration of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Braamfontein.”
De Jager further explained, “A young man reportedly stormed the altar of this historic heritage church, violently tearing down the heavy marble statues of the archangels, damaging the altar and hurling religious slurs at congregants.”
The MPL noted that the Holy Trinity Church has been a symbol of faith, service, and community in the heart of Johannesburg since the Braamfontein Mission was founded by Trappist monks in 1897, with the current structure completed in 1938.
“This is not just an attack on a place of worship; it is an attack on a shared heritage and sacred history that belongs to all South Africans,” De Jager remarked, serving as the DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation.
“The destruction of the archangel statues signifies an irreplaceable loss of religious, cultural, and historical heritage that cannot simply be reconstructed or replaced.”
“The DA calls on law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend the suspect and ensure that the full force of the law is implemented.”
De Jager emphasized that acts of religious desecration and cultural vandalism have no place in a constitutional democracy that values dignity, tolerance, and respect for diversity.
“We urge civil society, faith communities, and heritage organizations to unite in condemning all acts of religious intolerance and attacks on cultural heritage,” she stated.
With local government elections approaching on 4 November 2026, De Jager underscored that the DA is the only party dedicated to protecting South Africa’s religious, cultural, and historical institutions.
“We will prioritize the safeguarding of heritage sites, enhance public safety, and uphold the rule of law,” De Jager affirmed.
“This commitment will ensure that places of worship and historically significant sites are preserved and protected for future generations.”