After being taken hostage by armed robbers who broke into the chapel during a service in Johannesburg, South Africa, a deacon of the Church of Pentecost has now been released.
He was set free on the evening of Tuesday, October 31, 2023, following a three-day period of fasting and prayer called by the church to ask God for help.
On Wednesday, November 1, 2023, Charles Owiredu, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Mauritius, and the Seychelles, revealed the most recent development via a tweet.
The Church of Pentecost Deacon/Elder was freed last night. He is with his family now.
— Charles Owiredu (@CharlesOwiredu3) November 1, 2023
On Sunday, October 29, 2023, a concerning video surfaced online. It depicts members of the Ghanaian CoP’s Johannesburg branch being robbed of their possessions at gunpoint prior to the deacon being abducted.
When the bandits stormed the chapel and ordered everyone to lie on the floor, which is exactly what they did, a man of God is seen preaching to the church’s congregation, as captured in the viral footage. Then, as terrified infants cried out, the armed men went around gathering their belongings.
One of the bandits came up to the pulpit and forced the pastor to show them where the money was kept.
In a statement released on Monday, October 30, the Ghanaian High Commission in South Africa stated that measures were being taken to guarantee the deacon’s safe release and reunion with his family.
“The Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family. Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot,” the statement said in part.
Members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa were also counseled by the Ghanaian High Commission to take the required safety and well-being precautions.
The deacon is now with his family after thankfully regaining his freedom from the bandits.
