Criminals rob late-night worshippers at Mzinti church
Two suspects gained entry to a Mzinti church and robbed people praying inside, around midnight on Wednesday.
MZINTI – A peaceful time of prayer turned to horror when two suspects climbed through the window of a local church around midnight on Wednesday and robbed the six people inside.
According to Capt Magonseni Nkosi of Tonga SAPS, the six members of the congregation were praying inside the church when a man was suddenly in the midst and threatened them with a firearm.
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Soon after, his accomplice entered through the same window he had used to gain access to the building. Both were wearing balaclavas to cover their faces.
The second suspect searched the six victims and stole cellphones, money, bank cards and vehicle keys.
The suspects fled in one of the victims’ vehicles, but it was later recovered in Magogeni.
No one was injured.
A case of armed robbery was opened and police are still on the lookout for the suspects.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the duo, can contact Capt Madala Ndashe on 071-562-7596 or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600-10111.
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The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Mondli Zuma expressed his concern on places of worship, where people are supposed to feel safe.
His concern was doubled as a pastor in Doornkop, outside Middelburg, was killed on Wednesday afternoon.
Christopher Mokwena (34) was found dead with bullet wounds on his torso, about 200 metres from the church.
Provincial SAPS spokesman, Col Mtsholi Bhembe, reported that the pastor was conducting a church service around 19:35, when a man forced him out of the church at gunpoint.
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The suspect told the congregants he had business with Mokwena and to proceed with the service. The congregants disregarded his orders and found the pastor lying in a pool of blood.
A case of murder was opened and Det Const Lazarus Mtshweni can be contacted on 072-947-3661 with any information that can help him with the case.
