[Watch] Pastor and church congregants robbed by armed men during a church service

Police have launched a manhunt for a group of armed suspects who robbed the congregants of a Johannesburg church on Saturday afternoon.

The robbery took place on Saturday a Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Lieutenant-Colonel Noxolo Kweza, the Gauteng police spokesperson said the suspects walked into the church in the CBD at midday and demanded personal items from the congregants.

“They threatened the churchgoers with firearms. No one was injured and there are no arrests yet. The suspects later walked out of the church,” said Kweza.

A case of business robbery has been opened.

Speaking to The Star, church deacon Prince Thebe said: “We were just in the middle of a service, and some six guys came in, pointed guns at us, and started asking money for offerings and cellphones.

Church elders posted a message on its platforms saying a counselling service would be held on Sunday for its congregants- and offered words of consolation.

“The church would like to take this opportunity to assure that this too will pass. Nothing lasts forever,” the elders said.

“As leaders we are praying for the church to unite in times like these, supporting each other both morally and practically.”

“When the first guy came in, he went to the front seat, and while sitting there, he kept looking around and moving seats. The other deacon went to him and asked him what he wanted. He said I’m visiting, and I don’t know where to sit. He then suddenly stood up and went out.

“A few minutes later, a group of guys stormed inside the church, from the right and left sides of the doors. One went straight to the preacher in the front, pointed a gun at him and told him to lie down. The other guys were busy with the congregation, walking pew by pew and collecting cellphones. They then asked for the money for offerings, and we showed them the basket. They took the money and ran off.”

Major-General Tommy Mthombeni, acting provincial commissioner condemned the attack and promised to do everything in his power to bring the perpetrators to book.

Anyone with information on the suspects whereabouts can contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.

Source: News24, IOL, Times Live, Sowetan Live, image from Twitter: @mbaretimes

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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