02 November 2023 , 15:59
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This is the terrifying moment a gang of armed thieves storm a church in South Africa, allegedly robbing some of the people present and then kidnapping a deacon during the sermon.
The group, armed with handguns, burst into the church in Johannesburg on October 29 while the preacher was urging his followers to see the light. A video filmed at the time of the incident shows the moment the preacher sees the gunmen walk in and stops open-mouthed in shock.
As the gang threatens the congregation, the pastor, his deacon and a keyboard player lay face down on the floor. While the thieves pick the worshippers clean of cash and mobile phones, one steps onto the stage and takes the priest's mobile from the pulpit.
The preacher looked shocked when he saw the robbers enter the church (CEN)As he kicks the preacher's foot, the man gets up and hands the thief what looks like a wad of banknotes. Other thieves search the stage and steal deacon Elder Emmanuel Cudjoe's phone from his pocket and a book on the pulpit.
One thief can be seen with a bulging tote bag of valuables as he walks past the stage. Finally, the gang forces Cudjoe to his feet and holds him hostage while they flee.
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Armed men robbed a church in Johannesburg, South Africa (CEN)Local media reported that Cudjoe, national secretary for the Church of Pentecost in South Africa, was released unharmed on Tuesday. The church is mainly used by Ghanaian nationals. It is unclear if the thieves have been arrested.
According to Modern Ghana, the Ghanian community in South Africa was advised to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and wellbeing. The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria said in a statement: "The attention of the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana has been drawn to an incident in which members of the congregation of the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost were robbed of their valuables at gunpoint and a Deacon of the church kidnapped during church service.
The pastor, his deacon and a keyboard player lay face down on the floor (CEN)"The Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family. Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot."