Armed gang robs terrified churchgoers 

By Doreen Mokgolo

Police are hunting five armed suspects who robbed churchgoers of their valuables at an Easter Friday service in Y100 Section, Jouberton, near Klerksdorp.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said the suspects ordered congregants to lie down at gunpoint and then robbed them of cash, handbags and cellphones before fleeing on foot.  

“We are investigating a case of business robbery. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App on one’s smartphone,” Funani said.

The Charter of Positive Values, the civil society-led movement promoting ethical and moral leadership, described the robbery as a disgraceful, barbaric act that violated the sanctity of Good Friday and the Easter weekend.  

Pastor Lesiba Kgwele, convenor of the provincial interim committee of the Moral Regeneration Movement, condemned the robbery and other opportunistic crimes targeting church gatherings and other places of worship. 

“We call on our communities to assist police who have launched a manhunt in pursuit of the robbers … as no one will be safe until they are behind bars.

“Communities must unite in action against the cycle of violence and gangsterism prevalent in the area by reclaiming their activism to promote and harness collective responsibility among communities within the spirit of Ubuntu.

“The effort to tackle the scourge of gangsterism in Matlosana must be bolstered and a strong partnership with our communities established to restore the rule of law, as well as residents’ confidence in the criminal justice system,” he said. 

Pictured above: Police lights. 

Image source: File 

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