Second crucifix now recovered
|Published
TWO DOWN, ONE TO GO: The crucifix is badly damaged, PHOTO: SUPPLIED. TWO DOWN, ONE TO GO: The crucifix is badly damaged, PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
The second of three crucifixes stolen from a Mitchells Plain church has been returned, albeit heavily damaged.
Father Jeremiah Gama of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Lentegeur says his Oblate crucifix, which had been stolen out of the church two weeks ago, had been bought for R80 and the buyer returned it this week.
He says the crucifix had been damaged.
“This one belongs to me and it was damaged on the sides, my name was removed, and the back wooden panel was removed,” Gama says.
“The good Samaritan alleges that he bought the cross for R80 and went to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Rocklands and dropped off the cross.
STORY: The Daily Voice frist published the story on 21 February 2019.
“We are delighted that it has been found, but one more cross still needs to be found.”
On 19 February, while the congregation was celebrating the Oblate feast, the crucifixes were placed in a drawer in the sacristy.
But when Gama, Father Siyabonga Christopher of the Rocklands Parish and Father Nkululeko Meyiwa from the Khayelitsha Parish went to fetch their relics, all three crucifixes were gone.
Gama said they were special to them as each priest is given an Oblate cross when they officially dedicate their lives serving God full-time.
He said the crosses were over 100 years old and were made of gold, and worth between R5000 and R8000.
One of the crosses was returned last week after a Daily Voice reader bought it from a street seller.
Gama urged people to return the last cross, saying they won’t ask any questions or involve the police.