Robbers target churchgoers
Police are also investigating the death of a 49-year-old man whose body was found seated on a chair after he had suffered three gunshot wounds.
A gang of gunmen held worshipers at gunpoint at the Jehovah’s Witness Church in Delmore informal settlement at about 11:00 on November 6.
According to Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Constable Johannes Msimanga, three men stormed the church and robbed the congregation of their personal belongings.
“They entered the church, cocked their pistols and pointed it at the victims while yelling at them to lie down and put all their belongings on the floor.
“One of the suspects collected all the items from the floor and put them in a black plastic bag before they exited the church.
“As they were leaving the scenes, one of the gunmen fired one shot in the air. No one was injured, but the church members were reportedly left shaken by the incident,” said Msimanga.
“We are very concerned about this violent crime happening in the place of worship, and we are going to leave no stone unturned to find the culprits as we have activated our informers’ network and the crime intelligence is on the ground gathering information,” said Msimanga.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact the Reiger Park SAPS or anonymously call crime-stop tip-off line 086 00 10111 or download MySAPS App to send a tip-off message.
Murdered
In another unrelated incident, police are investigating the murder of a 49-year-old man whose body was found seated on a chair after he had suffered three gunshot wounds, in Joe Slovo informal settlement, on November 5.
He was shot three times in his upper body.
Information gathered by the police suggests that the victim was shot at about 23:00 when community members heard the gunshots. Officers were alerted to the body at around 10:00 on November 6.
Police are appealing for help to solve the case.
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