The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) national spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele has raised the alarm over the regular targeting of churches following armed robbery that occurred on Sunday in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta.
The SAUCIC is concerned about an intensifying trend of church robberies particularly in Mpumalanga.
On Monday, 25 August, SAUCIC President Cardinal Archbishop Dr Modiri Patrick Shole representing affiliated Federations of Charismatic, Evangelical Outreach Mission Ministries and Pentecostal Churches condemned the robbery reportedly carried out by three suspects armed with firearms.
“Brazen robberies and opportunistic violent crimes of this nature targeted at churches, viewed as soft targets are despicable acts that defile the sanctity of the house of the LORD. The firing of shots in the house of the LORD shows the extent to which the criminals are desperate and will not stop at anything,” said Cardinal Shole.
Dr Shole expressed gratitude that even though they were shaken, the Pastor and congregants were not hurt during the traumatic ordeal
He pointed out that opportunistic violent crimes targeted at church gatherings and other places of worship are threatening congregants’ constitutional right of freedom of assembly.
He advised churches to take precautionary measures, minimise cash transactions for tithes as well as offerings and to tighten their security during services.
We are appealing to police not to leave any stone unturned until the culprits that defiled the House of the LORD and put the lives of the congregants at risk are behind bars, emphasised Shole.
“None of our communities will be safer with armed heartless criminals responsible for such heinous acts roaming our streets and neighbourhoods,” he stressed.
He added that increased police visibility around church neighbourhoods will contribute towards addressing opportunistic crimes that are terrorising churches and communities.
According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping and ordered everyone to lie down and proceeded to rob them of their cellphones, cash and car keys.
Several shots were reportedly fired inside the church before the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo, which belongs to one of the congregants.
