KERKMENSE have been warned not to carry cash to service after ecumenical bodies raised the alarm on the rise in church robberies.
The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) and the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) were stunned by a violent robbery at a church in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, Mpumalanga on Sunday.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, three unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping.
He said: “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
“It is further reported that the suspects discharged several shots inside the church; however, fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.”
Speaking to IOL News, national spokesperson of the SAUCIC, 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.
He said: “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.”
Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of SACOFF and Senior Pastor at the 3C Church, added: “Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace, healing, and refuge.
“They are spaces where people gather in faith and unity to seek the presence of God.
“For criminals to boldly storm into these sacred spaces with firearms, firing shots and stripping congregants of their dignity and possessions, is not only an attack on individuals but also on the spiritual fabric of our nation.
“This situation stems from a deeper moral crisis in our nation — one that begins at the top of government and trickles down to the very grassroots of our communities.
“When lawlessness is allowed to thrive unchecked, when corruption goes unpunished, and when justice is delayed or denied, we create an environment where criminals act with impunity.”
Jonisayi Maromo
dailyvoice.co.za
