Fear in the Pews: Mpumalanga Churches Urged to Tighten Security after Robberies

For many South Africans, Sunday mornings and night vigils are sacred times of prayer, reflection, and community. But in Mpumalanga, worshippers have been left shaken after a disturbing wave of armed robberies targeted congregations mid-service, turning places of refuge into scenes of fear.

Government Calls for Vigilance

Jackie Macie, the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, has urged church leaders across the province to take stronger steps to protect their congregants. His call follows three separate armed robberies reported in Bushbuckridge and KwaMhlanga in late August, where gangs stormed services and held worshippers at gunpoint.

“These attacks are a sign of moral decay in our society,” said Macie, who encouraged churches to work with police, install CCTV cameras, and even hire security companies for night vigils. He also reminded communities to report suspects and remain alert to threats.

A Night of Terror

In KwaMhlanga, around 60 congregants were deep in prayer when six armed men burst into their church just before midnight. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the suspects switched off the lights, ordered people to the ground, and robbed them of cash, phones, wallets, and even clothing.

“Men and women in blue must remain undeterred,” Mdhluli said, promising that police would continue to pursue those behind the attacks.

Faith Leaders Speak Out

South Africa’s religious community has reacted with shock and outrage. Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF), described the robberies as an attack on the nation’s spiritual fabric.

“Churches are meant to be sanctuaries of peace and refuge,” he said. “To fire shots inside the house of God is not only an assault on individuals but on the dignity of South Africans as a whole.”

The South African Union Council of Independent Churches (SAUCIC) echoed these concerns, warning that criminals view churches as “soft targets.” National spokesperson Pastor Lesiba Kgwele urged churches to minimise cash offerings during services and demanded that police “leave no stone unturned” in their investigations.

Not the First Time

Sadly, this is not an isolated trend. In July, a church in Klipfontein, Witbank, was stormed by armed men who kidnapped nine congregants, including the pastor. The victims were tied up, robbed of electronics and bank cards, and only freed after police intervention.

Incidents like these highlight a worrying pattern: churches are increasingly on the radar of armed criminals, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

A Call for Unity

For many, the attacks are about more than stolen phones and wallets. They strike at the heart of faith and community. Both government and church leaders agree: solutions will require collaboration between police, congregations, and civil society.

As Pastor Pretorius put it, “This is not just a fight for churchgoers. It’s a fight for the soul of our nation.”

Source:IOL

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