Five people have been killed as South Africa Police respond to a “hostage situation and shooting” at a church in Johannesburg.
Officers responded to reports of a shooting at the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom at around 3am on Saturday morning.
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The South African Police Service (Saps) said the scene is still active in Zuurbekom where police are being supported by hostage negotiators and members of the South African National Defence Force (Sandf).
Police said in a statement that four people were found “shot and burned to death in a car” and a security guard was shot dead in another car.
Among the 40 people who have been arrested, are members of the police force, defence forces and correctional services, said the police. They added that they seized 30 firearms.
IPHC Exco chairperson Abiel Wessie said that around 200 people may have been held in the church. Officers said they rescued men and women from the church who had appeared to be living in the building.
The national police commissioner said the response by security forces meant they “averted what could have been a more severe bloodbath”.
Images shared by Saps on Twitter show suspects lying on the ground with their hands on their head.
In a Facebook post Saps said: “Gauteng police responded to a hostage situation this morning.
“Since their arrival at the scene around 03h00, police have up to this point arrested about 30 suspects and seized more than 25 firearms. Five fatalities are confirmed. The scene is still active with SAPS Hostage Negotiators, the TRT, Special Task Force, Air Support and the SANDF on the ground.”
Another picture shows what appears to be a pile of bullet proof vests, weapons, mobile phones and cutting tools. Members of the public have been told to keep away from the area.
Local media reports the incident may have started over a dispute leadership after the church’s leader died.
Photo Credit: Getty
