'We can't even worship without fear of violence': Pastor Bert Pretorius on church robberies
Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has decried the targeting of churches in armed robberies.
Image: Supplied
The South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has raised the alarm over the regular targeting of churches and other places of worship across South Africa, following several reports of violent attacks reported by IOL.
On Monday, IOL reported that the police in Mpumalanga have launched an investigation into a case of business robbery that occurred at a church in Mkhuhlu, Calcutta, on Sunday. Three unknown suspects allegedly stormed the church while congregants were worshipping, and shots were fired during the incident.
“It is with deep concern and sorrow that we note the escalating trend of violent robberies taking place in churches across South Africa. The recent spate of incidents, particularly in Mpumalanga, reflects not only a blatant disregard for the law but also a total lack of respect for the lives and dignity of fellow South Africans,” said Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of SACOFF.
“Places of worship are meant to be sanctuaries of peace, healing, and refuge. They are spaces where people gather in faith and unity to seek the presence of God. For criminals to boldly storm into these sacred spaces with firearms, firing shots and stripping congregants of their dignity and possessions, is not only an attack on individuals but also on the spiritual fabric of our nation.”
Bert, who is also Senior Pastor at the 3C Church, told IOL that it is shocking and unacceptable that in South Africa today, “one cannot even worship without fear of violence”.
“This situation stems from a deeper moral crisis in our nation — one that begins at the top of government and trickles down to the very grassroots of our communities. When lawlessness is allowed to thrive unchecked, when corruption goes unpunished, and when justice is delayed or denied, we create an environment where criminals act with impunity,” he said.
Pastor Bert Pretorius, president of the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) has decried the targeting of churches in armed robberies.
Image: Supplied
Bert said the violation of churches demonstrates the depth of the crisis. He said South Africa must urgently confront this moral decay and restore integrity, accountability, and respect for life and law.
“The issue here is not simply whether churches should ban cash collections or alter their worship practices. The real issue is the dire state of crime in our country — a state so severe that even while serving God, congregants must look over their shoulders in fear. This is a shameful reality that we cannot accept as normal,” he said.
“We therefore strongly condemn this form of violence against the church and against all communities of faith. Such cases must be handled with the utmost seriousness by law enforcement, with swift investigations, visible policing, and the assurance that criminals will be brought to justice.”
He added that the church will continue to pray, but he highlighted that prayer must also be met with decisive action.
“South Africa cannot afford to lose its moral compass any further. We call upon government, police, community leaders, and all people of faith to unite in addressing the root causes of this violence. Our churches must once again become safe havens, not dens of thieves,” Bert emphasised.
Pastors Bert and Charné Pretorius and their family.
Image: Supplied
Earlier this month, IOL reported that a church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor.
Two suspects were arrested, and the victims were later found, according to Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down,” Mdhluli said at the time.
The armed robbers stole three vehicles from the church congregants - a Mercedes Benz, a Volkswagen Polo and an Isuzu KB. Police have since recovered all the three stolen vehicles in Mpumalanga and Gauteng
Image: SAPS
The victims were subsequently searched by the armed intruders and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging to the church.
“The suspects further demanded car keys and PIN codes for the mobile phones that they took. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them (the victims). The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away, only to return later and collect their two accomplices,” said Mdhluli.
Family members of the victims later reported the incident to the authorities.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News