PASTOR Ned Govender and his family were held at gunpoint and robbed of their belongings by three armed men on Monday 7 October at the Macedonia Full Gospel Church in Motala Heights, Pinetown.
At approximately 6.15pm Govender, his wife, daughter, one of his aunts and his grandson had opened the church for Bible study, and were waiting for church members to arrive when the three men entered the church and robbed them.
“I was reading my Bible preparing for the lesson when the three men entered the church. My daughter noticed them first and called for my attention,” said Govender.
The robbers demanded the keys to Govender’s motor vehicle, his rings and wallet as well as his daughter and aunt’s rings before driving off with Govender’s 2008 Toyota Corolla.
Altec Netstar later recovered the vehicle, undamaged, in Kwandengezi.
“It was a terrible experience. We are stricken. There is no law and order in our society,” said Govender.
The church has been targeted by criminals in the past. In 1995 four robbers entered the church and stole various items.
According to Govender the church is exploring various security options to improve the safety at the church.
The church officials have also approached the Motala Heights Neighbourhood Watch for assistance,” said Govender.
“The Motala Heights Neighbourhood Watch will patrol the church during a service in order to provide some added safety and peace of mind to the members. We encourage community members to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity,” said Neville Shivaraja, one of the founding members of the Motala Heights Neighbourhood Watch.
Despite several attempts the Highway Mail was unable to receive comment from the Pinetown SAPS, where the robbery was reported.
Contact Neville Shivaraja on 084 454 8193.
