THE Dutch Reformed Church congregation in Hofmeyr has recently experienced large-scale burglaries at the building that houses the church hall, the community centre and the soup kitchen.
“Many unemployed people are cared for here, and provided with clothing and training.
“Unfortunately, vandals are now making a nuisance of themselves, and break into the building more than once a week,” said Willem Hanker, caretaker of the congregation.
Burglaries at the building, which also houses the training facility, Hofmeyr Hugs of Hope, have been reported in the past. In the past month there have been burglaries at the office of the scribe, as well as in the pantry of the church hall, where the crockery is also stored.
A massive stone was simply thrown through the window, and the blinds were damaged. The freezer, which contains the meat that the Service of Mercy provides to needy families, was looted.
“Many slaughtered chickens were also stolen from the freezer. The broilers form part of the DR Congregation’s fund-raising project for 2021, where farm-slaughtered chickens are sold from the church hall.”
There was also a break-in at the room known as the church’s bookstore. However, nothing was stolen. This was just to gain entry out or sight of the security cameras. Break-ins also tend to happen during loadshedding.
“Burglar bars at all windows, as well as a large number of security cameras, were installed last week,” said the elder in charge of property commission, André Schoeman
“All churches have experienced great financial burdens in the recent two years with the lockdown status and the ban on worship in church buildings.
“This is truly a serious setback for the congregation of Hofmeyr,” is the opinion of the chairperson of the church Council, Willem Herselman, who farms in the district.
