Pastor’s Home Set Ablaze, Belongings Stolen Amid Child Kidnapping Allegations

Pastor’s Home Set Ablaze, Belongings Stolen Amid Child Kidnapping Allegations....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Police have arrested two individuals following the burning of a local pastor’s house in Kgabalatsane village, Hebron, North West, South Africa, amid allegations of child kidnapping.

The suspects, who appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 3, 2024, face charges including arson and possession of stolen property.

The arrests were made after community members allegedly set fire to the pastor’s house last Thursday.

“According to our information, community members accused the pastor of kidnapping and harboring children at his house,” stated North West provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani.

She reported that around 300 community members gathered in front of the church at Kgabalatsane village, Hebron near Brits on Thursday, May 30, 2024, demanding the release of the children.

Police discovered three children on the premises and returned them to their parents, who denied any kidnapping allegations.

Following threats from the angry mob, police escorted the pastor to the local police station for his safety.

“Later, we received reports that the pastor’s house was on fire. Subsequently, two suspects, aged 19 and 54, were arrested for arson and possession of suspected stolen property,” Funani added.

North West provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised the police for their swift action leading to the arrests.

Kwena also urged the public to let investigations proceed and avoid taking the law into their own hands.