A huge church bell used to summon members for services, has suddenly gone missing causing some confusion in the area.
The church from where the bell was stolen
A huge church bell has disappeared from a church in a community in South Africa.
According to Daily Sun SA, the church members are used to being alerted by the bell when it’s time to go and worship but on Sunday they were late because it didn’t ring.
The bell hanging in the Lutheran Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, South Africa, was stolen and church members are confused about what happened to it.
However many are accusing drug addicts of stealing the bell.
When the congregation realised the bell was missing, they immediately reported the theft to the police.
Reverend Leslie Kgosana, who is responsible for four Lutheran churches, said they have been under siege for a while.
He said nyaope boys have broken into the church before and even stole the wheels of a church member’s car on one occasion.
“But we never thought they would target the bell. They even took the chain to attach it.
“We’re angry and appalled by the use of nyaope in our community. These addicts are not even afraid to break into the church, which is here to save them.
“We’re aware these nyaope addicts are stealing to buy their drugs but we appeal to them not to steal from churches. They must instead come to church so we can pray for them.
“We can even arrange social workers for them if they are willing to come forward.”
Residents who live near the church said the addicts were careful when they removed the bell.
They said they suspect it was stolen at night and that the thugs made sure it didn’t ring so that it wouldn’t attract attention. Residents said the bell was heavy and the thieves would get a lot of money for the metal.
A case of theft was opened at Daveyton Police Station.