Mpumalanga MEC calls for churches to boost security after armed robberies

Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi, Mpumalanga’s acting police commissioner, said about 60 congregants were gathered for a night prayer service in KwaMhlanga at about 11.30pm on August 29 when six armed men burst into the building. 

“The suspects allegedly ordered the worshippers to lie on the ground and then robbed them of mobile phones, wallets, clothing items and an undisclosed amount of cash,” he said. “Before fleeing, the men reportedly switched off the church lights, plunging the room into darkness. 

“These types of robberies at places of worship could be a reflection of a moral decay in our society,” he added.

Macie advised that churches appoint security teams, conduct risk assessments to identify weaknesses, and encourage congregants to report suspicious activity around church premises. 

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