Three weeks ago, the Eden Baptist Church in Muledane Block J was broken into, with the thieves cutting and removing some cables before fleeing the scene.

As if that was not enough, the perpetrators returned recently, using the same method of breaking the burglar doors to gain entry. This time, it is not yet known what, if anything, was stolen, as they set the entire church on fire, causing damage estimated at nearly a million rand.

The heartbreaking incident, described as a major blow to the congregation, occurred on Wednesday, 10 September, at around 06:30.

Eden Baptist Church founder Past Christopher Shivambu said he had received a call early that morning, alerting him to the fire. “I made a quick rush to the church, only to find that the fire had devoured almost everything. The roofing had already caved in, and we could not salvage anything. The damage caused is close to a million,” he said.

Shivambu said that initially, the church had had no idea how the fire had started, but they had later discovered that the same burglar doors they had replaced after the previous break-in had been broken again.

“This is a terrible blow to us as a church, more so because this is not our own building but one we were housed in by a good Samaritan. I feel like a piece of me has been cut off. The pain is too much,” he said.

Shivambu said the church appeared to be under attack by criminals. “This is not the first theft we have had. I have been a victim on countless occasions, and on one occasion I lost a whole set of expensive musical instruments. We are putting everything in the hands of God and praying that the police find those responsible,” Shivambu said.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that an arson case is being investigated.

“On Monday, 15 September, preliminary investigations led the police to revisit the crime scene, and the inquiry case docket was changed to arson. The cause of the fire will be determined by the police report. We are appealing to anyone who might have information that can assist in resolving the matter to contact the investigating officer, Const Rendani Tshavhungwane, on 072-1892544, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or via MySAPSApp,” he said.