Parishioners at Zayoni Kingdom Catholic Church in Waterloo, located north of Durban, were left deeply unsettled on Friday evening when two armed individuals invaded a prayer service and robbed numerous worshippers at gunpoint.
The robbery took place around 9 p.m., as reported by the Reaction Unit of South Africa (RUSA). Witnesses described how the perpetrators, clad entirely in black, entered the church during the service and demanded that the congregation surrender their possessions.
“The men were brandishing firearms. They demanded mobile phones from the congregation, collecting a total of 46 devices, which they placed into a plastic packet before fleeing the scene,” stated RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram.
It is still uncertain whether the robbers escaped on foot or utilized a getaway vehicle. Despite the frightening confrontation, none of the approximately 60 congregants, including several children, were injured during the incident.
The assault has reignited concerns about the escalating violent crime rates in South Africa, where places of worship are increasingly viewed as vulnerable targets for criminals. Local authorities have not yet confirmed whether any suspects have been apprehended.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli