The MEC for culture, sport and recreation, Leah Mabuza, and the Mpumalanga Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) recently expressed concern over a recent spate of church robberies in the province.

Reports indicate that criminals have begun targeting religious gatherings and stealing congregants’ belongings – particularly cash and electronics – and leaving a trail of emotional distress in their wake.

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Mabuza said she was shocked and angered by this trend, but expressed confidence in the SAPS, noting that the recent apprehension of several suspects in Mbombela shows that communities can prevail against crime.

“Churches, mosques and other places of worship are sacred spaces where people find solace, security and strength. Attacking worshippers has, until recently, been unheard of in our communities. It is a foreign concept to our values and a glaring sign of moral decay,” said Mabuza.

“We call on all communities to stand against criminality targeting places of worship. I also encourage aboMama bomthandazo (prayerful women) to pray against this evil trend,” she added.

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The MRM chairperson, Rev Dr Michah Nthali, said he was disappointed by the decline in moral values which reflects a troubling silence of conscience it reflects cannot be ignored.

“The MRM supports and commends SAPS and other community structures for urging all community members not to turn a blind eye – whether witnessing such incidents or reporting suspected perpetrators afterwards,” said Nthali.

He called on community members to respect places of worship and to revive a culture of dignity, equality and respect.

“Let us stand together and fight this abomination by taking safety precautions and working closely with law enforcement. We view these incidents as a direct attack on our freedom of religion – a right enshrined in Section 15 of South Africa’s Bill of Rights,” Nthali concluded.