Illegal churches in Elandspoort will be the topic of discussion at a public meeting next week.
According to acting ward councillor Pastor James Ndlovu Tshwane mayor and residents of the area were expected to attend next Tuesday.
“Illegal churches are mushrooming all over the place,” he said.
“However, residents feel that the fields these churches are located on could be used for other purposes, such as possible development.
“Which was why I arranged for this meeting so that the mayor could listen to the concerns of the residents.”
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There were currently three so-called “illegal” churches in Elandspoort operating from tents.
One was located in Steyr Avenue and two in Long Tom Avenue.
“The fourth was demolished by the metro police last month,” he said.
“What was left of the church was cleared by local residents.”
Residents of the area said the churches were driving them up the wall.
“We cannot deal with the noise anymore,” said resident Ansie Ebrahim.
“From Friday throughout to Sunday we are disturbed with loud instruments and other noises into the early hours of the morning.”
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Another resident Alta Doorman said these churches were also impacting crime in the area.
“During the week, these churches are left empty and provide very good shelter for criminals and vagrants,” she said.
“We cannot dare go near because it simply isn’t safe anymore.”
Ebrahim suggested the field be converted into a park.
“Everyone is always looking for a safe place for their children to play,” she said.
“These illegal churches are just wasting space that could have been used differently.”
She said, however, that their frustration became less since the other church was demolished.
“When the other church was still here, we would hear terrible sounds at night,” she said.
She said they would hear churchgoers sacrificing animals during rituals.
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“The sound of the animal being killed was terrible,” she said.
Doorman said churchgoers at the other informal churches did not sacrifice animals.
“It’s just the noise that is driving us crazy,” she said.
Residents also suggested that proper facilities be built for the different churches.
“I feel that it is unfair that some religions are forced onto others,” she said.
“Proper facilities should be erected to enable others to practice different religions.”
Rekord visited one of the alleged “illegal” churches but had no success in locating the owner or any contact details for the church.
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