SINCE its origin in the KwaNyuswa area three years ago, the Christian Faith Gospel Church in Africa, situated near Botha’s Hill, has been the target of local criminal activity.
According to Shumi Shelembe, one of the pastor’s wives, the chief (unduni) gave the church a piece of land at 977 Tininiza Road to construct a church building there three years ago.
With collections from some of the congregants, they were able to build a small church structure to host their worship services.
However, the congregation has been faced with a huge problem of vandalism and theft.
Shelembe said the first incident occurred when thieves stole building material during the construction of the church.
Later, window panes and electricity cables were stolen and windows were broken every now and then.
The most recent criminal activity involved insulting words written on the walls of the church building.
“The property is being used as a thoroughfare because it isn’t fenced off. We’ve also had couples engaging in sexual activities on the property,” said Shelembe.
She added that the church congregation decided to park a caravan on the property for security purposes and had a couple live in the caravan just to look after the premises.
The couple was threatened, harassed and their belongings were stolen by the same thieves and the couple eventually left the area fearing for their lives.
Shelembe suspects the culprits could be gangsters from the area and has reported the incident to the Hillcrest police as well as the local councillor, Mthethwlwli Sibisi of Ward 103.
Meanwhile, the congregants of the church appeal to the community to please assist them with either a donation or sponsorship of fencing around the church property as well as a generator for the electricity they require.
Those who are able to assist, can contact Mrs Shelembe on 060 335 2439, e-mail sshumi@gmail.com or contact Pastor Selby Ndlovu on 084 553 6403.
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