Churches in South Africa Pay the Price for Safety as Robberies Surge

Churches across South Africa are facing a sobering reality—sacred spaces are no longer immune to the country’s rising crime levels. With Easter around the corner, the troubling trend of church robberies in South Africa is forcing many congregations to fork out money for private security, a cost many never anticipated.

Recent break-ins and thefts have rocked communities and raised alarm among worshippers and religious leaders alike.

Brazen Robberies Shake Churches

In March, the World Changers International Church in Roodepoort became the latest victim. Thieves made off with musical instruments worth between R1.5 and R2 million, despite the presence of alarms and burglar bars. Just weeks before, Christ’s Reconciliation Centre in Edenvale also suffered a robbery, losing R200,000 worth of equipment.

Police believe the same criminal syndicate is responsible for both incidents, with suspects reportedly using church events to scope out valuables before striking.

Speaking to eNCA, Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed the growing trend of syndicates targeting churches. Following a shootout in Westdene, six suspects were implicated—only one a South African citizen, the rest foreign nationals. Authorities suspect this group is linked to similar crimes across the province, including in Edenvale.

Paying for Protection

In response, some churches have taken matters into their own hands. Anthonello Sibanda of World Changers International Church revealed that they now hire a private security company to ensure safety during services.

“We have a security company that offers services to us,” said Sibanda. “They are stationed outside during our service times, so we are confident that our congregants will be secured.”

Unfortunately, not all churches can afford such measures, leaving many feeling exposed. For a space that is meant to offer spiritual refuge, the fear of armed criminals poses a deeply unsettling threat.

Crime Beyond the Church Walls

The issue isn’t confined to religious institutions. South Africa’s broader crime landscape remains a major concern. According to the latest SAPS report for the third quarter of 2024, contact crimes decreased slightly by 1.6%, but there were still more than 2,000 incidents reported per day. Robberies with aggravating circumstances—crimes that include attacks on churches—were recorded at over 35,000 cases, amounting to nearly 400 incidents daily.

Churches Urged to Stay Vigilant

Religious bodies and crime prevention groups are urging churches to increase vigilance, especially during high-traffic periods like Easter. The Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum has warned that criminals often attend services disguised as congregants, only to rob worshippers at gunpoint.

To stay safe, churches are being advised to:

• Install CCTV systems and alarms

• Employ private security where possible

• Encourage worshippers to leave cellphones and wallets at home

• Report suspicious behavior immediately

While police efforts have led to some arrests, the underlying issue remains: churches are being forced to shoulder additional costs for protection in a country struggling to curb crime.

A Call for Greater Support

Many believe that more consistent and visible policing is essential—not just for churches, but for communities at large. As South Africa prepares for the Easter season, the hope is that both authorities and congregants remain vigilant to ensure that places of worship can once again feel like sanctuaries, not targets.

{Source BusinessTech}

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