URBAN, South Africa — Two sister missionaries serving in the South Africa Durban Mission were robbed and brutally assaulted June 30.
The attacks in the town of Port Shepstone in the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast of the country were part of a crime rampage, according to a news report in South Africa. The suspects allegedly attacked and robbed three more groups of people in the area the same evening. The attack on the sister missionaries occurred about 5 p.m. as they were walking beside a busy road.
A 22-year-old sister missionary from Kenya was shot in the stomach; she is expected to fully recover. Her 21-year-old companion from California was treated at a hospital and released. The local media reported that the missionaries had indicated they wanted to continue their missions.
The South African Press Association reported that police arrested two men after an attempted robbery a short time after the attack on the sister missionaries. The press also reported that a third man was arrested on Sunday and the fourth surrendered to police Monday morning, July 3.
"Our prayers are with these two young sisters and their families," said Church spokesman Dale Bills. "Our missionaries share a message of peace. We pray that these two faithful young women and all who know and love them will be blessed with peace and comfort at this time."
