Christmas warning for churches and their members in South Africa
The festive season is a time traditionally marked by gatherings and celebrations, but churchgoers are wanted of a worrying trend in South Africa as criminals increasingly target churches and their congregants.
This alarming trend came to light in 2024 as reports of violent incidents and warnings from both law enforcement and religious leaders throughout the year.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted a 2.43% increase in contact crimes over the past year, encompassing offences such as assault, murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
The latter category, which has risen by 6.6% year-on-year, is particularly concerning as it includes crimes like carjackings, residential robberies, and attacks on non-residential premises, including places of worship.
Churches, often seen as sanctuaries, have become unexpected targets for criminals.
Earlier this year, the Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Rights Commission warned that incidents of criminals targeting churches and their congregants continue to rise in South Africa.
It noted that criminals targeting congregants and clergymen is not a new phenomenon, but these crimes seem to be escalating.
Before carrying out armed robberies, criminals enter the church services by posing as worshippers.
They take advantage of the trusting and reverent atmosphere within the church, where congregants are deeply engrossed in their religious activities.
These criminals specifically target churches because cash offerings are frequently made, providing them with an easy opportunity to steal smartphones and wallets from unsuspecting worshippers.
One such incident occurred in Gauteng earlier this year when armed robbers stormed a Sunday service, holding the congregation at gunpoint and making off with cash, cellphones, and other valuables.
Similarly, a church in KwaZulu-Natal reported a brazen robbery during a weekday prayer meeting, where congregants were forced to lie on the floor while criminals looted their belongings.
These harrowing accounts highlight the urgency of addressing this disturbing trend.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape—the country’s most populous provinces—have borne the brunt of these crimes.
Earlier this year, Reverend Cyril Pillay, a leading figure in the Chatsworth Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, issued a stark warning to religious communities.
He emphasised the need for proactive measures to safeguard congregants from the growing threat of crime. “Don’t be so heavenly-minded that you have no earthly good,” Reverend Pillay cautioned, urging church leaders to adopt practical security measures.
His advice includes employing private security personnel, installing CCTV systems, and encouraging congregants to leave valuables such as phones and wallets at home.
In addition to Reverend Pillay’s recommendations, some religious leaders have proposed abandoning traditional offertory collections.
Instead, they suggest using electronic transfers to reduce the risk of criminals targeting churches for cash donations.
This shift could help deter criminals who view churches as soft targets for quick financial gains.
The SAPS has echoed these concerns, noting that contact crimes often involve direct violence or threats against individuals in close proximity to the targeted property.
Law enforcement officials have urged church leaders and congregants to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive season when crime rates tend to spike.
The SAPS advises churches to collaborate with local police and community safety forums to enhance security.
They also recommend implementing access control measures, such as security checkpoints and controlled entry points, to deter potential offenders.
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