NORKEM Park church goers and their pastor became the victims of an armed robbery at around 8pm on Tuesday night.
They were gathered in the Assembly of God Church when four men, two of them armed, stormed into the church.
According to a police statement the pastor said he was praying with the congregation at the time. The robbers took cellphones, money, bank cards, necklaces, handbags, wallets and purses from congregation members before they fled in a Nissan Navara stolen at the church.
Maritz Jonker, chairman of Norkem Park CPF Sector 2, said they received a call at 8.45pm about the incident.
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“CPF patrollers immediately sprung into action, partnering with MML Security. Assistance was also provided by AfriForum’s Community Response Unit members,” he said.
“Some went to the church to assist the panic-stricken community members and gain information. Others disregarded their own safety and entered very dangerous areas in Tembisa in search of the vehicle. Information was efficiently provided be the police.
“Within 50 minutes MML reaction officers arrested the first suspect and by 2am another three suspects were arrested. Most of the stolen goods as well as the Nissan NAvara were recovered.”
Maritz thanked each and every member and partner going above and beyond; each one stepping up and doing what was needed to get these criminals off the streets.
“It is important to know that Norkem Park CPF requires the assistance of more community members. Not all want to put their lives at risk and we understand that. We need members that can assist with control room duty done in the comfort of your own house.
“We need persons to assist with admin work and capturing, once again done from home. We also need community members that can provide a shoulder to victims and can take hands and pray with them. It is time to become involved and stand strong as a community against these criminals,” Maritz said.
According to the police the suspects were also found in possession 32 rounds of hunting ammunition and a laptop.
