Police are investigating a case of robbery in Johannesburg Central, South Africa, after six gunmen attacked a Seventh Day Adventist church on Saturday, while the pastor was preaching.
According to Harare Live, the six gunmen had disguised as visitors.
However, when the service started, they drew their weapons and ordered the pastor and the entire congregation to sit down.
The moment the preacher saw the gunmen enter was captured by the live streaming camera at the church.
The congregants were robbed at gunpoint, the church said.
Church elders posted a message on its platforms saying a counselling service would be held on Sunday for its congregants — and offered words of consolation.
“The church would like to take this opportunity to assure you that this too will pass. Nothing lasts forever,” the elders said.
“As leaders, we are praying for the church to unite in times like these, supporting each other both moral[ly] and practical[ly].”
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Noxolo Kweza said a case of robbery has been opened.
“A group of armed men walked into the church around midday and demanded personal items from the congregants while pointing firearms at them. No-one was injured. No arrests have been made,” said Kweza.
Acting provincial commissioner Maj-Gen Tommy Mthombeni condemned the attack and promised to do everything in his power to bring the perpetrators to book, adding that church members should be allowed to do their business peacefully.