Members of a church in Constantia experienced a distressing incident as three armed individuals deceived their way into The People’s Church – Assembly of God on Friday at approximately 6 pm.
In a cunning move, one of the assailants feigned illness to gain entry, leaving worshippers traumatized. According to Minister Geoff Bond, the suspects brandished guns and a knife during the incident, which occurred while six individuals were present for a youth program.
Minister Bond recounted that the assailants directed the congregants to lie on the ground, subsequently restraining four men using mobile chargers and bag straps. The victims were instructed not to look at the robbers, who donned gloves while confiscating phones and cash.
Unable to lock the victims in a room, the suspects corralled them into a bathroom and instructed them to remain there. Uncertain of the assailants’ departure time, the victims eventually checked and found the robbers gone.
The criminals also made off with a congregant’s VW Polo GTi. Bond mentioned that one of the victims, originally from Namibia, pleaded with the robbers not to take his passport. Surprisingly, upon their release, they discovered the passport inside the church, as the robbers had returned and left it behind. The minister noted the unusual focus of the perpetrators solely on the car, emphasizing that churches have become vulnerable targets.
Bond expressed the challenging situation faced by churches, torn between showing kindness to those in need and the necessity to take sensible precautions. Despite existing security measures, the incident occurred due to a lapse when the gate was left open to accommodate incoming traffic for the youth program.
The minister detailed how the assailant, claiming to be sick, requested access to the church’s toilet after ringing the security gate bell. Out of kindness, the gate was opened, allowing the intruder and two accomplices to enter.
In response to the incident, the victims were offered two-hour counseling sessions. The Diep River SAPS has initiated a business robbery investigation, with Police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie urging individuals with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
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Date published: 01/02/2024
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