Durban temple robbery: Devotees targeted during prayer

On Saturday, a group of armed robbers invaded the Merebank Kali Amman Community Temple in Durban, targeting devotees during a prayer session. According to Dhevan Govindasamy, a spokesperson for PT Alarms, five men entered the temple on Sialkot Crescent south of Durban and stole cellphones, taking one woman's gold bangle. Guru Sagaren Govender, a devotee, recounted how a gunman pointed a gun at him and his four companions, demanding they surrender their belongings.

The temple had around 40 members inside when a car drove onto the property, catching the devotees off guard as the driveway gate was open. The robbers searched various areas before fleeing with the woman's bangle. Govender reported the incident to the police, urging heightened vigilance for similar incidents. No injuries were reported, but the victims were traumatized.

The vehicle used by the robbers, a white i20, has been described to authorities. Security experts advise religious organizations to park vehicles in secure locations and discourage devotees from displaying expensive jewelry or mobile phones openly. The eThekwini District Police board has urged all religious organizations to join the Community Policing Forum's spiritual desk to implement preventive measures during gatherings.

In the fourth quarter of the 2025/2026 financial year, there were 26,796 robberies with aggravating circumstances nationwide, a 4,953 decrease from the previous year.