A church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted on Wednesday evening when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor. 

Two suspects have since been arrested, and the victims have been safely recovered.

“According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down,” said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

The victims were subsequently searched by the armed intruders, and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging to the church.

“The suspects further demanded car keys and pin codes for the mobile phones that they took. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them (the victims). The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away, only to return later and collected their two accomplices,” said Mdhluli.

Family members of the victims later reported the incident to the authorities.

“The matter was escalated whereby a collaborative effort between the SAPS and Tracker Connect yielded significant results, as the vehicles were successfully traced (on Wednesday night), one near Vosman and the other in Silverton, Gauteng,” said Mdhluli.

“Thanks to the diligent work of Witbank detectives and Vosman Vispol, the law enforcement agencies managed to locate all victims in a bushy area in Kromdraai. One individual sustained minor injuries and was given medical treatment by the medical personnel.”

In total, three vehicles were recovered: a Mercedes-Benz, which was found in Vosman in the possession of a 21-year-old suspect; a Volkswagen Polo, which was abandoned in Vosman; and an Isuzu KB bakkie, which was traced and recovered in Silverton, Gauteng. A 27-year-old man was arrested during the recovery of the Isuzu bakkie.

“The two suspects were arrested, with all the stolen vehicles recovered. The pursuit of the remaining suspects continues. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp,” said Mdhluli.

“All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has applauded the effective collaboration between the police and private security.

“We are concerned with the incidences of such crimes, especially in places that should be sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace,” said Mkhwanazi.

“The SAPS remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will continue to track down the remaining suspects responsible for this heinous act.”

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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