Stoute laaities have trashed the Manenberg Methodist Church.
On Tuesday, three boys and two girls were caught on camera breaking into the church in 5th Avenue.
Fortunately church members caught them in the act before they could leave with their loot and they fled.
Mercia Arendorf says what happened is sickening.
She says: “It is disgusting and sickening what these kids have done. We caught them inside packing items with the intention of going out with them.
“They broke the windows and a door. They wanted to take furniture and some kitchen stuff with them.”
She says the teens ran away after realising that they were surrounded by church members.
Mercia says this is the first time the church has been vandalised.
“It has never happened before and it came as a shock to all of us. Children have no respect for a church that they even vandalise it like this,” she says.
The church’s gate is now broken and anyone can enter. The yard is not secure and there is no security.
Resident Mymoema Cassiem says the laaities vang draad in the churchyard.
“The yard was first destroyed by children who come here when there are no church members,” she says.
“Behind the church, there are entjie stompies and dirty things I cannot name which makes us think that something is happening there where no one sees.”
Mymoema pleaded with parents in the area to keep an eye on their children.
“It’s children who vandalised this church and it is us parents who let our children wander around.
“Schools are closing soon and they will be bored.
“Let us work together and come up with ideas that will keep them busy.”
The incident was not reported to the police.