Two weeks ago thieves struck again at the church, stealing more copper. As a result of the theft the recent rains have leaked through the roof again, and the damage this time is estimated at more than R2m.
“The people have returned to steal more and the damage is now over R2m. The interior of this historic church is destroyed,” said a frustrated Elsworth.
“It has been a continuation of copper theft which I have reported three times. Not once have I had a visit from the police who resign themselves to the fact that it is perpetrated by the ‘Whoonga people’ who congregate under the bridge on the Esplanade.”
Whoonga is a street drug commonly used in Durban.
Elsworth was also frustrated at the lack of commitment from the city to address the issue of vandals.
“One could say we’re living with anarchy and there is no political will to address the social issues of Durban that lead to the high crime rate,” he said.
He said in light of the latest incident, the church was considering introducing security.
The thieves have also stolen copper from the top of the lower drains on the walls of the historic building, built in 1939. The church has served the community for more than 145 years.
The police were not immediately available for comment.