Armed robbers storm church in Durban, three congregants shot
Three people shot when gunmen entered a church during a prayer meeting north of Durban.
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Three people were shot when armed suspects stormed a prayer meeting at a church, north of Durban on Tuesday night.
In a statement, private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said its officers responded to reports of a shooting around 7.49pm.
On arrival, they were informed that a gunman had entered the church, where about 35 congregants were gathered, and attempted to rob them.
Church members tried to overpower the assailant, but two additional armed men entered the premises and opened fire. The suspects fled the scene without taking anything.
RUSA said the injured victims were taken privately to a medical facility before first responders arrived, and their condition remains unknown.
It was also reported that the suspects fled in a vehicle described as either a Suzuki Ertiga or a Toyota Avanza after the failed robbery
Earlier this year the South African Community of Faith-based Fraternals and Federations (SACOFF) raised the alarm over the regular targeting of churches and other places of worship across South Africa.
“It is with deep concern and sorrow that we note the escalating trend of violent robberies taking place in churches across South Africa.
“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,” Pastor Bert Pretorius, SACOFF president said at the time.
SACOFF was commenting after a robbery at a church in Mpumalanga in which congregants were robbed of cellphones, cash and car keys.