The Christian community of Robinson in Randfontein, on the West Rand, is baffled by the vandalism of their churches by stealing furniture and roofing.

These are the 15 churches of different denominations which were built by Randfontein Estates Gold Mine for their workers and people living in the surrounding areas.

When the mine was sold to Harmony Gold Mine and Phumulani Hostel closed in 1999, the churches were handed over to the community. Mr Chris Tsamai, a member of the Roman Catholic Church, said yesterday that since the church leaders took over the management of those buildings, thieves started to break into the structures and stole chairs, tables and the corrugated iron roofs.

Sowetan visited the churches yesterday and found the 15 church buildings in a dilapidated state.

Tsamai and Mrs Lydia Kesimolotse, a member of Uniting Reformed Church, pointed out some buildings which were left as empty halls after chairs and tables were stolen. Doors had also been removed and windows shattered.

"We have reported this matter to the police but they only promise to keep an eye on the premises. We are not sure who are the people responsible for this vandalism, but there are a lot of shacks not so far away from the churches.

The churches are just next to a mine's stadium which has also been vandalised. Kesimolotse said the situation was so bad that they were even scared to attend church services on Sundays.

"Our pastor's car was recently stolen outside the church while he was busy preaching," she said.

Methodist Church of Southern Africa spokeswoman Mrs Val Pauquet said acts of vandalism in church showed the complete breakdown of moral fibre.

"The high unemployment rate is also driving some people to stop at nothing to get what they want," Pauquet said.