Priest recovering after assault at Pretoria East church
A St John Fisher Catholic Church priest was discharged from ICU on Tuesday morning after he was robbed and assaulted outside his church in Pretoria East on Sunday.
Father Craigh Laubscher (45) of St John Fisher Catholic Church in Lynnwood, was discharged from ICU on Tuesday morning after he was robbed and brutally assaulted by an intruder who masqueraded as the church gardener.
Speaking to Rekord on Tuesday, Archbishop William Slattery said the pastor was discharged from the Jakaranda Hospital ICU after surviving the vicious attack.
“He was released this morning and will be taking the rest of the week off to rest and recover. He won’t be staying at the church during this period. He might be with family in Centurion or he will stay with the other priest community,” said Slattery.
The priest sustained severe bruising to his body and face. “Father Laubscher is left with scratches, bruises and a stiff neck. Luckily his injuries are not permanent. He will recover soon,” Slattery said.
Laubscher was attacked on Sunday night as he was walking to his house from the church, which is on the same premises. “On Sunday at about 21:15, the pastor heard the doorbell ringing. The man outside the door said that he is working as a gardener at the church and that he is staying on the premises,” said police spokesperson Captain Colette Weilbach.
Laubscher then opened the door to what he believed to be a staff member of the church. “The man then overpowered the priest while demanding money,” Weilbach said.
The intruder, a man which Laubscher had assisted last week, began to assault the priest. “Father Laubscher was heavily assaulted and strangled by this man. The attacker used a handle of some sort of drill that was there to assault Father Laubscher. He attacked him at the house with the intention of robbing him. This is the same man that the Father had helped recently” said Slattery.
The intruder then locked Laubscher in his office and fled. “Father Laubscher was left semi-conscious in his office. The attacker stole from donations and also broke into the car before jumping over a wall,” Slattery said. Laubscher contacted his brother for help, who then transported the priest to Jakaranda Hospital.
Members of the church have taken to social media sites to send their sympathies and well wishes to the priest. “Praying for a speedy recovery,” said Susan Hemingway, “Please pray for Fr Craigh Laubscher who was attacked and assaulted last night after mass,” said Lindy Post.
Slattery stated that the church is saddened by the tragic and unusual incident. “Priests are in a vulnerable position as people are asking us for money and help. We take precautions and we have security, and many people are conscious of this. We try to help as much as we can. The people of South Africa are very caring to their priests. Despite the violence, we feel very secure,” Slattery concluded.
Police are currently investigating the case. “The Brooklyn police are investigating a case of house robbery and the suspect is still at large,” said Weilbach.
