Indian temple attacked in South Africa

DURBAN: A prominent Hindu temple here has been attacked, the sixth such incident in an Indian place of worship since March this year, drawing sharp reaction from the religious leaders of the Indian community against the brazen strike by criminal elements.

Hindu, Muslim and Christian religious leaders strongly reacted after the Grama Devi temple was raided by criminals for the second time this week since September.

Devotees were robbed of jewellery, watches, cell phones, and other valuables.

The Anglican Bishop of KwaZulu-Natal, Reuben Philip, who is of an Indian origin said robberies at places of worship was a new phenomenon.

"Criminals seem to be taking advantage of vulnerable communities," he said.

A member of the Inter-religious council, Philip said the body would take up the matter with the police authorities.

Ashwin Trikamjee, chairman of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and National Religious Leaders' Forum, said the attacks on places of worship was "unacceptable".

"This speaks volumes about the security situation in this country and reflects the brazenness of criminals. Communities need to take measures to deal with the crime situation," he said.

Echoing the other religious leaders Saydoon Nissa Sayed of the KwaZulu-Natal Inter-Religious Forum said, "We have met ministers and raised our concerns but the issue of robberies at places of worship has not been addressed yet."