Robbery prevented at Rhema

2003-02-02 18:53

Johannesburg - A planned robbery of the Rhema church offering plate on Sunday was foiled when police swooped on a gang just before they were due to rob the church in Randburg.

Police spokeswoman Superintendent Milica Bezuidenhout said the police had reliable information about the planned attack, and obtained approval from the director of public prosecutions to arrest the suspects before they committed a crime.

Police swooped on eight people - six men and two women - as they gathered in three vehicles at an Engen garage in Molope Road, Randburg, about 09:30. Four pistols were seized from the suspects.

Pastor Ray McCauley, founder of the Rhema Church, said: "I want to commend the policemen in charge of this investigation for the swift and professional manner in which they tracked down this gang and arrested them this morning.

"We were informed about the plans for the robbery on Thursday afternoon and the police in charge worked around the clock to track down the criminals. They kept in close contact, assuring me that the gang would be apprehended before they got anywhere near the church.

"They did just that and arrested eight people this morning and we are grateful to them and the Lord for the protection and speedy arrest of the suspects."

McCauley said stricter security would be enforced at the church throughout the week.

- SAPA