One dead in Verulam church shooting: Security firm RUSA urges congregants to stay vigilant
Security warning issued after one person was killed in a shooting at Christ Ministry Church of Miracles in Waterloo, Verulam.
Image: File
Private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has urged congregants to remain alert and report any suspicious activity at places of worship following a fatal shooting at Christ Ministry Church of Miracles in Waterloo, Verulam, in which one person has died.
The Mercury reported on Wednesday that armed robbers stormed the church on Tuesday night during a prayer service and shot three people. The police confirmed that one person died in hospital and two others were injured.
Heading into the festive season, RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram urged members of place of worship to be vigilant.
He said, “We advise members of the congregation to report suspicious activity. If they notice anything unusual around churches, temples, or other religious places, especially those that have been targeted, they must alert law enforcement immediately. Patrols are being conducted to ensure congregations do not become targets or victims.”
Captain Ntathu Ndlovu, speaking on behalf of the Verulam police, confirmed that police were investigating cases of murder and attempted murder following an incident in which two suspects entered a church in Waterloo and shot and killed one person, whilst two others were left injured.
“Reports indicate that two suspects, one of them wearing a balaclava, stormed inside a church and pointed a firearm at the pastor.
“One congregant reportedly grabbed one suspect, but the other suspect shot at him, before shooting two other people. The injured victims were taken to hospital for medical attention. The motive of the shooting is unknown, although robbery could not be ruled out,” said Ndlovu.
Police and security agencies continued to urge the public to report any information that could assist with the investigation.