Congregants of the Kensington Evangelical Church say they are frustrated and saddened by criminals’ blatant disrespect for their church following several burglaries in recent months.
A congregant took to social media to share her frustration about the “cowardice acts”.
“This is now the umpteenth time that our church has been the target for break-ins and vandalism by the hands of some members of the 6th Ave Camp.
Two young girls threw stones and damaged the windows. They were seen running towards the camp. Indeed, a sad situation with seemingly no solutions. Prior cases relating to theft have also been fruitless.”
Shane Paulse, Deacon and caretaker at the church, says the most recent incident happened a month ago.
“After 18:00 on Saturday 25 February I returned to the church. My daughter told me there’s a hole in the window. The top window was also broken. Another window was also broken. Two children from the neighbouring informal settlement were seen throwing stones.”
Paulse says these acts of vandalism are costing them financially.
“A few months ago they removed the whole window frame, entered the church, the alarm was activated so they left the church taking the aluminium window. On a previous occasion they also removed the window. We are already struggling financially. The big windows that need to be replaced will also now cost us money.”
He adds: “They also stole the big gate at the back of the church so now as a result people can walk freely through the church ground. For many years we never had this problem. But it is getting worse and worse.”
Paulse appeals for more police visibility.
“The police need to patrol more especially at night.”
WO David Stemmet, Communications Officer for the Kensington Police Station, confirms that there has been an increase in burglaries in the area recently.
“Kensington did experience a slight increase in burglary business.
“Officers were deployed in the identified hotspot which led to suspects being caught in the act.”
