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IOL News
01-08-2025
- IOL News
Church service turns into nightmare as armed robbers kidnap worshippers
The armed robbers stole three vehicles from the church congregants - a Mercedes Benz, a Volkswagen Polo and an Isuzu KB. Police have since recovered all the three stolen vehicles in Mpumalanga and Gauteng Image: SAPS A church service in Klipfontein, Witbank, was violently interrupted on Wednesday evening when a group of armed suspects stormed the premises, robbing and kidnapping nine congregants, including the pastor. Two suspects have since been arrested, and the victims have been safely recovered. 'According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down,' said Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli. The victims were subsequently searched by the armed intruders, and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging to the church. 'The suspects further demanded car keys and pin codes for the mobile phones that they took. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them (the victims). The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away, only to return later and collected their two accomplices,' said Mdhluli. Family members of the victims later reported the incident to the authorities. 'The matter was escalated whereby a collaborative effort between the SAPS and Tracker Connect yielded significant results, as the vehicles were successfully traced (on Wednesday night), one near Vosman and the other in Silverton, Gauteng,' said Mdhluli. 'Thanks to the diligent work of Witbank detectives and Vosman Vispol, the law enforcement agencies managed to locate all victims in a bushy area in Kromdraai. One individual sustained minor injuries and was given medical treatment by the medical personnel.' In total, three vehicles were recovered: a Mercedes-Benz, which was found in Vosman in the possession of a 21-year-old suspect; a Volkswagen Polo, which was abandoned in Vosman; and an Isuzu KB bakkie, which was traced and recovered in Silverton, Gauteng. A 27-year-old man was arrested during the recovery of the Isuzu bakkie. 'The two suspects were arrested, with all the stolen vehicles recovered. The pursuit of the remaining suspects continues. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp,' said Mdhluli. 'All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.' Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has applauded the effective collaboration between the police and private security. "We are concerned with the incidences of such crimes, especially in places that should be sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace,' said Mkhwanazi. 'The SAPS remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will continue to track down the remaining suspects responsible for this heinous act.' [email protected] IOL News
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- The Citizen
Witbank church robbery and kidnapping ends in two arrests
A group of armed suspects robbed and kidnapped church members, but police tracked down the stolen vehicles and arrested two suspects. A group of armed suspects stormed a church service in Witbank, Mpumalanga, kidnapped and robbed congregants, but were later tracked down and arrested by the police. At around 8.55pm on Wednesday, a group of more than five armed men stormed into the church premises in Klipfontein. The suspects threatened the congregants with firearms. The suspects ordered about nine church members who were present at the time to lie down. They then searched the victims— including the pastor and other church leaders — and tied them up with cable ties. Multiple items stolen during church robbery and kidnapping The suspects robbed the congregants of their phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, and the church's computer screen. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the suspects also demanded the car keys and PIN codes for the phones. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them. 'The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away, only to return later and collect their two accomplices,' Mdhluli said. ALSO READ: Police offer reward for information on Limpopo priest's killer The family members of the victims reported the incident to the police. 'Thanks to the diligent work of Witbank Detectives and Vosman Vispol, the law enforcement agencies managed to locate all victims in a bushy area in Kromdraai,' Mdhluli said. One suspect sustained minor injuries and was given medical treatment by the medical personnel. Three vehicles recovered After the incident was reported, the police and tracking company worked together and successfully traced two of the hijacked vehicles. One car was found near Vosman, and the other in Silverton, Gauteng, on Wednesday evening. Mdhluli said that in total, three vehicles were recovered. A Mercedes-Benz was found in the possession of a 21-year-old, and a Volkswagen Polo was abandoned in Vosman. An Isuzu KB Bakkie was traced and recovered in Silverton, where a 27-year-old male suspect was arrested. ALSO READ: Mashatile praises controversial KwaSizabantu Mission, says government seeking partnership The two suspects were arrested, and all stolen vehicles were recovered. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The men and women in blue are not backing down yet as the pursuit for the remaining suspects continues. The police have urged anyone with information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MYSAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous. Sanctuaries not safe anymore Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the acting provincial commissioner of Saps in Mpumalanga, praised the successful cooperation between the police and the tracking that enabled these arrests. 'We are concerned with the incidences of such crimes, especially in places that should be sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace,' the general said. 'The Saps remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will continue to track down the remaining suspects responsible for this heinous act.' NOW READ: American missionary kidnapped in Gqeberha rescued, three suspects dead
