The High Commission of Ghana, Pretoria, has assured the Ghanaian community in South Africa of working with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the safe return of a deacon who was kidnapped during a church service on Sunday.
In a viral video, the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost was robbed of their valuables at gunpoint, and a deacon of the church was kidnapped during church service on Sunday, October 29, 2023.
The incident has left everyone in shock since the governments of Ghana and South Africa recently signed an agreement to allow Ghanaian citizens to visit South Africa without a visa for 90 days.
In a statement by the High Commission after the shocking incident, it condemned the act and assured the Ghanaian community of safety and the safe release of the kidnapped deacon.
“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.
The commission further advised all members of the Ghanaian community to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being and will continue to keep the Ghanaian community updated on further developments in the case.