Armed men have once again targeted a church in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlighting a disturbing trend of criminal activities during worship services.
The latest incident occurred at the branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost in the Joburg CBD, where armed robbers attacked and looted the congregation.
This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, there have been several cases of churches being targeted by criminals. One such incident took place in October, when armed men invaded the Eagle Christian Church in Newlands, Johannesburg, resulting in the tragic death of Prophet Dwayne Gordon.
The most recent heist, which was captured on video, occurred on Sunday, October 29. During the attack, not only were the worshippers robbed of their valuables at gunpoint, but a church deacon was also taken hostage.
The Ghanaian government has expressed shock and concern over these incidents and has urged all members of the community to take necessary precautions to protect themselves. In response to the attack on the Church of Pentecost, the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria issued a notice to the Ghanaian community living in South Africa.
The notice read, “The attention of the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana has been drawn to an incident in which members of the congregation of the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost were robbed of their valuables at gunpoint and a Deacon of the church kidnapped during church service on 29th October 2023.
“Mission wishes to advise all members of the Ghanaian community to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The mission will update the Community of any further developments related to the case.”
These attacks on churches are not only a threat to the safety and security of worshippers but also a violation of the sanctity of religious spaces. It is essential for the authorities to take swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
Church members getting robbed at gun point mid sermon in Joburg CBD on Sunday.
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) October 31, 2023
🎥 @EversonLuhanga pic.twitter.com/PEYFcAPp4E
