SAPS hosts imbizo for church leaders
Ndlovu stated that the warnings came amid a rise in criminal activity recorded at churches in the province, where phones and money have been robbed from congregants – with some cases ending in assault, kidnapping and murder.
Kempton Park station commander Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu hosted an imbizo for faith-based organisations at the Kempton Park Presbyterian Church last week.
The imbizo also included Vispol commanding officer Colonel Orbet Mashalane, detective services Lieutenant Colonel Mmapudi Mabule and acting support head Lieutenant Colonel Hlolani.
The main discussion focused on warning church leaders about the criminals who see churches as soft targets for theft and robbery.
ALSO READ: Attend the Indigenous Language Imbizo at UJ
Ndlovu said that the warnings came amid a rise in criminal activity recorded at churches in the province, where phones and money have been robbed from congregants, with some cases ending in assault, kidnapping and murder.
“Robbers attend services posing as worshippers before pulling out firearms and robbing congregants of their cellphones and wallets.”
“Churches are easy targets because attendees are focused on worshipping, view the buildings as sacrosanct, and often tithe in cash,” said Ndlovu.
The aim of the imbizo was to seek solutions in addressing crime patterns within the religious sectors.
Ndlovu added that however, criminals have proven they have no qualms about trespassing on holy ground.
“In one incident, a community elder was taken hostage and released later after a ransom was paid and in another incident, the robbers got frustrated at their low haul and shot attendees, leaving one dead,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu advised that churches work with SAPS and community policing forums to protect the areas where worshippers congregate.
ALSO READ: REMINDER: Kempton Park public meeting takes place today
He also said that congregants should get to know each other so that they can better identify any potential criminals who may be looking to infiltrate communities.
In addition, church leaders should provide SAPS with their addresses, the name of the pastor, day and time of their church services.
During church service patrol vehicles will make a turn.
He said suspicious activity should be reported to the SAPS immediately.
