Church union calls for speedy arrest of robbery suspects

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Union of Council of Independent Churches is urging the Klipfontein community in Mpumalanga to assist police in tracking down three suspects still at large, following a robbery and kidnapping.

The incident took place earlier this week during an evening prayer service in Witbank, when five armed men stormed a church, threatening congregants with firearms.

It's understood that victims were ordered to lie down, tied with cable ties, and robbed of their phones, wallets, laptops, and even the church’s computer screen.

Police said the suspects then forced the congregants into three vehicles and drove them to a remote area in the bush after demanding car keys and phone PIN codes.

Two suspects have since been arrested, while a manhunt is underway for the remaining three.

The union has welcomed the arrests and said it’s grateful that no harm came to the pastor or congregants during the ordeal.

Spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said the remaining perpetrators must be brought to book.

“Opportunistic violent crimes targeted at church gatherings and other places of worship are threatening congregants' constitutional rights of freedom of assembly. As the council, we are calling for concerted efforts to bring the three remaining culprits who are still at large behind bars. None of our communities will be safer with armed, heartless criminals,” said Kgwele