A NIGHT of worship in the troubled kasi of Diepsloot north of Joburg, turned into a bloody one after congregants were attacked in church, leaving their pastor dead.
Five stormed into a church where they randomly shot at congregants, killing the pastor and injuring two other people who were part of the church service.
Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said, “Police are on the lookout for about five armed suspects who stormed into a church in Diepsloot and fired shots that led to the death of the pastor and the injury of two congregants.
“The suspects then robbed the congregants of their personal belongings before fleeing the scene on Friday, 14 October 2022, at approximately 23h45.”
Masondo said the suspects robbed the congregants of their cash and cell phones.
“Three of the people who were shot, including the pastor, were taken to a local medical centre where the pastor died on arrival. The other two are in serious but stable condition.”
“A case of murder, attempted murder and business robbery has been opened and police are searching for the suspects.”
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He added, “Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of suspects to please call the nearest police station or crime stop on 08600 10111.
Crime in this kasi has had residents calling for the area to be put under a state of emergency due to how rampant it is.
Community leader, Vincent Ndou told Daily Sun, “If you can remember, we had a march last week to the police station because of crime.
In April this year, following a string of violent crimes, Police Minister visited the area, where he and his commissioner deployed more police and even beefed up the resources of the station.
“Two months after Bheki Cele’s visit, crime went down drastically. When the deployed police officers in the area were being withdrawn, the criminals noticed that there is no police visibility.
“Now the crime is worse than it has ever before.”
He added, “Amberethe must come back, they must even deploy the soldiers because we need them.”
