What was supposed to be a momentous day, the morning of Good Friday, turned into a tragedy for the St John the Divine Anglican Church on Clark Road, Glenwood, reports Berea Mail.

 The 104-year-old landmark suffered what is believed to be an act of arson.

SAPS provincial spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed the incident.

“Police in Umbilo have opened a case of arson after a church was allegedly set alight on Thursday. The matter is under investigation,” he said.

The main auditorium was badly burnt, and among the stolen items were pews, ornaments, and clothing.

Homeland Security SA’s Janus Horn explained that at around 03:40 they spotted an individual on CCTV camera wearing white shorts and a yellow shirt, and wearing Croc-type shoes, walking up Clark Road, carrying a bag that seemed to contain a two-litre bottle inside.

“At 04:15, the same individual was seen going down the same road carrying a crate with what looked like tablecloths, but we now suspect were priest robes. This time around, he was not wearing shoes and one of his shoes was found inside the church. We know who the person is and where he stays but he is currently in hiding. The individual works the streets and cross-dresses as well,” said Horn.

One of the church neighbours, Robin Opperman, said it is so sad to wake up and find the church on fire over the long weekend.

“Even sadder to find that they now suspect arson. It’s in all our interests (rich and poor) to nurture and cherish these community assets that make places like Glenwood so special. Hoping the perpetrator is caught and that the church rebuilds and comes back stronger than ever,” he said.

Local councillor Fran Kristopher said it was truly a shock to wake up on Good Friday to the devastating news of the fire.

“At this stage I would like to commend the vigilance of the first responders and patrolling security teams, as well as SAPS and the Fire Department for the prompt, efficient relay of extinguishing the blaze and maintaining calm and traffic order to the surrounding areas affected,” he added.

Umbilo Community Policing Forum PRO Doug Mellish, after interacting with community members, said the incident was described as ‘evil’.

“Upon speaking to locals, including the homeless and sex workers, they shared that they condemned the act. Everyone is devastated. Calendar-wise Good Friday is the most sacred day for the community, and for the church,” he said.

“To suffer this loss on this day is a stab to the heart. We, together with the community, will rally together in pursuit of justice. We will not fold our arms, and let this go unchallenged. We will use all available resources to get to the bottom of this criminal act,” added Mellish.

Four security companies have put up a reward of R5000 for any information leading to the identification and conviction of the suspect. The community may contact Douglas on 083 275 3276 or Umbilo SAPS.

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