DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, August 26, 2017 (IOL): Heavily armed guards with vehicles were standing off at temples across Durban on Friday night for the annual Ganesha Prayer, a significant Hindu ceremony. And now armed security guards are increasingly being used at weddings. This follows two attacks on worshippers in Hindu temples in the past 10 days and the heightened security at places of worship is set continue with Eid Al Adha marked by Muslims next Friday. An armed gang stormed the Shri Luxmi Narayan Temple in Mobeni Heights on Wednesday night, and worshippers at the Maha Shiv Mandir Temple in Sea Cow Lake were also held up last week.
On Friday, Grey Street Mosque chairperson Abdul Vally Mohammed confirmed extra security was in place for the estimated 4,000 worshippers who would observe Eid Al Adha. Rodney Moodley, of Inkosi Security, confirmed they had provided more security, free of charge, to temples across Reservoir Hills on Friday night. “Since the attack, we have received many calls for increased security for the Ganesha Prayer. Whether it’s a temple, mosque or church, my guys are equipped and ready for any situation. We are willing to assist any religious organisation at no cost,” said Moodley.