The MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms Leah Mabuza, together with the Mpumalanga Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM), has strongly condemned the growing trend of church robberies across the province.

This follows several reports of criminals targeting worshippers during church services, seizing cash, mobile phones and other valuables, leaving behind fear and emotional trauma in communities.

MEC Mabuza expressed deep shock and anger at the incidents, stressing that such acts were foreign to local culture. She commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for arresting suspects in Mbombela, saying it showed that communities were not powerless in the fight against crime.

“Churches, mosques and other places of worship have always been sacred. To attack worshippers is unheard of in our communities. This is a sign of moral decay, and we call on all people to rise against it. I also urge prayer groups to pray against this evil trend,” she said.

The MRM Chairperson, Reverend Dr Nthali, echoed the MEC’s concerns, describing the attacks as evidence of declining moral values and a threat to the constitutional right to freedom of religion.

“This is a direct attack on our human dignity and spiritual security. Communities must never turn a blind eye to such incidents. We need to work closely with law enforcement and restore respect for places of worship,” Dr Nthali urged.

Both the MEC and MRM called on communities to unite, safeguard places of worship, and strengthen moral values to protect future generations from this disturbing trend.