NOG 'n KERK ROBBERY

POLICE in Mpumalanga are investigating nog ’n church robbery.

Assailants stormed this church at KwaMhlanga, in Mpumalanga, on Friday and held the worshippers at gunpoint, ordered them to lie down, and robbed them of their mobile phones, wallets, clothing items, as well as an undisclosed amount of money.

Provincial police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the robbery occurred while congregants were having a night prayer service.

Mdhluli said: “According to a (police) report, approximately 60 congregants were praying inside the church when six armed men stormed the premises. The suspects are said to have held the victims at gunpoint, then ordered them to lie down, and robbed them of their mobile phones, wallets, clothing items, as well as an undisclosed amount of cash.”

Thereafter, it is alleged that the assailants switched off the lights in the kerk before they fled the scene with the stolen items.

Mdhluli added: "The police were notified, and a case of business robbery was opened. Currently, no arrests have been made yet, and police are appealing to members of the community for any information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects.

“Members of the public can call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Last week, the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) and the South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) raised the alarm over the regular targeting of churches and other places of worship across South Africa.