The MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Ms Leah Mabuza and the Mpumalanga Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) have raised concerns about the recent incidences of church robberies around Mpumalanga Province. This follows recent reports where criminals have turned to, include among their targets church gatherings, robbing congregants of their belongings including cash and cellular phones, and leaving a trail of emotional distress and fear in communities.
MEC Mabuza expressed shock and anger towards this criminality that has been on the news in the past few weeks. The MEC expressed her confidence in the SAPS and said the apprehending of suspects in Mbombela was a clear indication that our communities will win the fight against crime. “Churches, Mosques and other places of worship have always been sacrosanct, sacred places where people found solace, security and strength. Attacking worshippers has never been heard of in our communities, this is something foreign to us this is a sign of Moral Decay of our people. We are calling on all communities to stand up against criminality which is perpetuated against places of worship. I would also encourage aboMama bomthandazo to pray against this evil criminal trend. Let us pray for our communities, our children and the greater wellbeing of our communities” said the MEC.
In congruence, the Moral Regeneration in Mpumalanga expressed their views through the Chairperson, Reverend Dr. Nthali who was disappointed by the declining moral values of our country “This is viewed as a sign of moral decay and a serious demonstration of the silence of one’s conscience which should never be ignored. Accordingly, the MRM joins and appreciates the efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS), other community structures in calling for all community members to never turn a blind eye when such incidences are witnessed or even after when community members point to some alleged robbers.” said Dr. Nthali
“We call on all community members to respect places of worship and rejuvenate a culture of respect in human dignity and equality. Let us stand together and fight against this abomination by taking safety precautions and to work closely with local law enforcement agencies. We view these incidents as a direct attack to our freedom of religion which is a right enshrined in section 15 in Bill of Rights contained in Constitution of the Republic of South Africa” concluded Dr Rev. Nthali, Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement
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Issued by the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation
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