Church robbed by initiates

THE initiates reportedly went to the church and intimidated the congregation before robbing them of their belongings, media reports claim.

Daily Sun said they robbed the church of its musical instruments.

Hlekani Sithole (73) has been a member of the Rock Church in Mavalani Village outside Giyani, Limpopo for 40 years.

She told Daily Sun: "I have never seen anything like this. They stormed into our church and started singing their cultural songs. Some were smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol."

It was late on Saturday when 30 initiates from a nearby initiation school disrupted the night vigil in the church, accusing the people of making a noise close to their school.

Another church member, Titswalo Maluleke, said what the initiates did was disrespectful.

"There are many churches in the village. Why pick on us?" asked Titswalo.

Pastor Abby Nkuna said he has already forgiven the trespassing initiates for what they did because that is what the word of God tells him to do.

He said he met villagers and traditional leaders to try and make peace.

Giyani police spokesman Warrant Officer Thomas Makhubele said a case of theft was registered and no one has been arrested.

The House of Traditional Leaders has condemned the behaviour of the initiates.