Mpumalanga Church Robbery: Congregants Held at Gunpoint During Prayer Service

Police in Mpumalanga are investigating another church robbery after armed men stormed a congregation in KwaMhlanga during a midnight prayer service.

How the robbery unfolded

• About 60 congregants were gathered inside the church when six armed suspects entered.

• Victims were held at gunpoint and ordered to lie down.

• Congregants were robbed of cellphones, wallets, clothing, and cash.

• The attackers allegedly switched off the church lights before fleeing.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed that a business robbery case has been opened. No arrests have been made.

Community members with information are urged to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or use the My SAPS App. Callers may remain anonymous.

Police and community response

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi called for stronger security at places of worship. He said churches across the province should work with SAPS districts to prevent further attacks.

“This type of robbery at places of worship could be a reflection of moral decay in our society,” said Mkhwanazi.

He also urged the public not to buy suspected stolen goods, warning that such actions fuel violent crime.

Escalating trend of church robberies

This is not an isolated incident. Last week, a church in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, was attacked, with shots fired during the robbery.

• SACOFF (South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations) condemned the growing trend of church robberies, calling it an attack on the country’s spiritual fabric.

• SACOFF president Pastor Bert Pretorius described the rise in church crimes as part of a deeper moral and governance crisis.

• He stressed that worshippers now face violence even in sacred spaces meant to be safe.

In July, a church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, ended in violence when armed men kidnapped nine congregants, including the pastor. Two suspects were later arrested.

Why it matters

The wave of church robberies in Mpumalanga highlights the broader problem of violent crime in South Africa. Congregants are being forced to worship under fear, while religious leaders call for urgent government and police intervention.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com