Central SAPS focus on church safety

The Pretoria Central SAPS urged residents to exercise caution as there has been an increase in robberies, especially at churches.

This was revealed during an outreach campaign held on Lillian Ngoyi Street.

Police say these robberies have been targetting church services during weekends.

“This comes after the current incidents that had taken place within the province where some of the churches were robbed in broad daylight, equipment and congregants their personal property,” said spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise.

“It has sparked a whole lot of fear among the community.

A video clip has been doing the rounds on social media platforms where a congregation was robbed during a sermon.

The station calls on the community to work together with police to ensure that such acts are minimised and to instil safety and security, especially on Sundays.”

Police said more law enforcement agencies will be brought on board to patrol to ensure more police visibility around churches.

Churches and churchgoers are advised to take note of the following safety tips:

– when faced with a robbery situation or any threat remember to remain calm and adhere to instructions posed by culprits

– in life-threatening situations do not take matters into your own hands

– avoid keeping valuable items such as bags, wallets, cellphones, cameras, car keys and other equipment in your possession

– find alternative ways of collecting tithes and avoid using cash on the premises

– increase security to ensure that access is restricted to members

– minimise sermons at night, especially during the festive season

“More interventions will take place to find ways to address such possible threats and we urge all churches to come on board,” said station commander, Brigadier Gibin Hlengane Mashaba.

“Our sector vehicles, the crime prevention team, reservists, community safety patrollers, CPFs and crime prevention wardens will be working around the clock to ensure that there is more visibility.”

For more information please contact:

– Crime Stop on 086100 10111 or simply dial 10111

– Dial 112 on your cellphone to any network provider for assistance

– Use the MySAPS app to report any criminal activity or give suggestions

– You can also directly call the station on 012 353 4230

Sector commanders’ contact details:

Sector 1: Warrant Officer Diketane 079 386 6218

Sector 2: Sergeant Ndou 079 880 0875

Sector 3: Warrant Officer Samuels 067 873 3208

Sector 4: Sergeant Nziri 079 899 4308

Note that all calls or whistle-blowing can be done anonymously.

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