The High Commission of Ghana in South Africa has officially verified a robbery incident at the Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost.
In a statement dated October 30, 2023, the High Commission also affirmed the abduction of a church deacon that occurred during the incident, which transpired on October 29, 2023.
“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 on October 29, 2023,” the Mission said.
The statement added that South African authorities were working to ensure the rescue of victims.
“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,” the mission said.
The High Commission further advised members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Background
In South Africa, a group of armed robbers targeted a Ghanaian community during a church service.
A video of the incident quickly went viral, revealing the assailants storming the auditorium while the congregation was in the midst of their worship.
Amidst the preacher’s sermon, pandemonium broke out as the armed robbers brandished their weapons and began to rob the worshippers at gunpoint.
The preacher, likely the spiritual leader of the congregation, was singled out by the robbers, who confiscated phones and valuables from him.
Simultaneously, they looted the rest of the worshippers.
One of the robbers even approached the pulpit, coercing the preacher to lead them to the location where money was stored.