Don’t tithe in cash: Several shots fired in church as another congregation is robbed
The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) , which represents affiliated federations of charismatic, evangelical outreach mission ministries and pentecostal churches, has raised the alarm about the escalating trend of church robberies, particularly around Mpumalanga.
This week, police in Mpumalanga have launched an investigation into a case of business robbery that occurred at a church in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, on Sunday.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said three unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping.
“The suspects, armed with firearms, instructed everyone to lie down. They then robbed the congregants of their cellphones, cash, and car keys. The suspects fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo, which belongs to one of the congregants,” said Ndubane.
“It is further reported that the suspects discharged several shots inside the church; however, fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.”
When police officers arrived at the scene, they found several spent cartridges on the church’s floor.
“At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the investigation continues,” said Ndubane.
“The police urge anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko on 082 922 9902, the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or send information via the My SAPS App. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous.”
Acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the church robbery incident.
“It is deeply concerning that criminals now boldly target places of worship, which should be sanctuaries of peace and safety,” he said.
Speaking to IOL News, national spokesperson of the SA Union Council of Independent Churches, Pastor Lesiba Kgwele said the frequent robberies suggest that churches are viewed as “soft targets by heartless criminals” who have no regard for the sanctity of life.
“The firing of gunshots in the house of the Lord shows the extent to which the criminals are desperate and will not stop at anything. Churches are therefore advised to take precautionary measures and minimise cash transactions for tithes as well as offerings particularly during evening services,” said Kgwele.
“We are appealing to police not to leave any stone unturned until the culprits who defiled the house of the Lord and put the lives of congregants at risk are behind bars.”
He suggested that increased police visibility around church neighbourhoods will contribute towards addressing opportunistic crimes that are terrorising churches and communities across South Africa.
Earlier this month, IOL reported that a church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor.
Two suspects were arrested, and the victims were later found, according to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“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,” Mdhluli said at the time.
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 collect their two accomplices,” said Mdhluli.
Family members of the victims later reported the incident to the authorities.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News