Congregants of the SDA church in Johannesburg were robbed of valuables and cash at gunpoint during a church service that was live streamed.

The gunmen stopped the sermon before proceeding to collect cash and valuables from worshippers, according to reports. The moment the gunmen stopped the preaching was captured on the church’s live camera.

The church leaders later posted a message offering consolation to the members and asking members to attend a counselling service on Sunday, a day after the incident.

“We are praying for the church to unite in times like these, supporting each other both moral and practical,” the church said in the post, which included the video when the robbery took place.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza confirmed the incident in a statement saying congregants were robbed of their personal items at gunpoint.

The provincial police chief condemned the incident, telling the local media that they would do everything to arrest the suspects.