Ekurhuleni steps up church safety during Easter

Ekurhuleni steps up church safety during Easter! The City of Ekurhuleni has announced heightened security measures at churches during the Easter break, following a disturbing spike in crime at places of worship in recent years.

Churches Identified as Crime Hotspots

The city’s acting chief of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), Julius Mkhwanazi, confirmed that several churches have been earmarked for increased law enforcement deployment due to past incidents.

“In 2024, we experienced a number of robberies at churches, where criminals targeted congregants and stole phones and valuable church equipment,” Mkhwanazi stated.

Church safety

One particularly tragic incident occurred in Vosloorus, where a 55-year-old woman was shot and killed during a church robbery. Several others were injured in the same attack.

Proactive Measures for Public Safety

In response to these events, Ekurhuleni is launching a comprehensive Easter safety campaign. The campaign includes roadblocks, extra police patrols, and visible policing across residential areas known to host large congregations.

“We will be concentrating in residential areas where we know there are big churches,” said Mkhwanazi. “We have learnt our lesson from last year. Criminals were targeting churches, and we want to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

The city is working to make churches safer before, during, and after Easter. According to Mkhwanazi, officers will be stationed outside churches at strategic times to deter criminal activity and ensure quick response to any threats.

Zero Tolerance for Crime This Easter

Mkhwanazi vowed that no lives would be lost at places of worship this year under their watch.
“We are taking proactive steps. Our officers are ready, and our intention is clear — to prevent violence and protect lives during Easter.”

He encouraged residents and churchgoers to report suspicious activity and to cooperate with law enforcement during the holiday period.

The EMPD’s increased visibility and commitment to safety aim to restore confidence in public spaces and make this Easter a peaceful one for all residents of Ekurhuleni.

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