Slain Holiness Christian Revival Ministries pastor Vincent Sikhakhane pleaded with armed robbers who stormed into his church — a third incident in recent months — to take whatever they wanted and spare the lives of his congregants, but the gunmen went on to fatally shoot him.
Two other members of the church based in Diepsloot, near Midrand, were taken to hospital where they are still being treated.
Church member Nomusa Maseko, who was among 50 people who were attending the night prayer when the robbers pounced, said: “It was around 9pm when we heard two gunshots near the main door. Three men then walked inside the church and instructed everyone to hand over their cellphones and cash.
“We all obeyed their instructions and Pastor Sikhakhane repeatedly pleaded with the robbers not to hurt anyone in the church, but they shot him even though he posed no danger to their lives.”
Pastor Thulani Mzila said the Friday night incident has caused anger among church members as it was the third crime incident affecting the church this year.
According to Mzila, congregates were robbed off their cellphones and cash by a group of gunmen in February.
A week ago, the church was broken into, and thieves stole music instruments. He said no arrests were made in both previous cases.
“We are very angry. We always believed that the church is the safest place to be but criminals have proved to all of us that they have no respect for churches and the country’s laws.
“We are pleading with the police to speedily arrest those responsible for Pastor Sikhakhane’s murder. They must account for the pain they have caused the church and this community,” said Mzila.
He said the two injured members are in a stable condition.
Diepsloot community leader Sicelo Shezi said information collected by the community patrolling forum suggests that armed robberies targeting churches and taverns are on the rise in Diepsloot.
The community last week marched to the local police station to raise this concern.
Police minister Bheki Cele in April announced interventions to be introduced in the area after protests over increasing crime in the township.
“Murder and armed robbery are once again on the rise in Diepsloot. Residents live in fear, more especially at night. Members of the tactical response team must return to Diepsloot before the situation gets out of hand,” said Shezi.
Police continue to maintain strong presence in the area.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said no arrests have been made and that police did not know about the other two incidents at the church.
Police are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder and robbery in connection with the recent church shooting.
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