A leadership battle between splinter groups in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Zuurbekom, west of Johannesburg, is claimed to have led to Saturday morning’s hostage drama in which five people were killed.
More than 40 people have been arrested including members of the South African Police Service, National Defence Force, Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the Department of Correctional Services.
Six of those arrested have been taken to a hospital in Zuurbekom.
Over 34-firearms, five rifles and 13-pistols have been recovered.
#sapsGP Early hours this morning #SAPS was alerted to a hostage situation & shooting @ International Pentcost Holiness Church, Zuurbekom, 30 suspects arrested & seized more than 25 firearms. 5 fatalities are confirmed. The scene is still active with SAPS Hostage Negotiators. TM pic.twitter.com/5sMjYkYFjg
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 11, 2020
Members of law enforcement agencies are among the more than 40 people arrested after a hostage drama in which five people were killed at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Zuurbekom, west of Johannesburg. #sabcnews
— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) July 11, 2020
Police say a group of people went to the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Zuurbekom and allegedly attack people who were inside saying they were coming to take over the premises.
Police say the attack may have been motivated by a feud between conflicted parties of the church.
Four people were found shot and burnt to death in a car while a fifth victim, a security guard was fatally shot in his car while attending to this complaint.
In the video below, five people have been killed in a hostage situation at the international Pentecost Holiness Church:
Police also say men, women and children who are living in the premises were rescued.
According to the police, more people are expected to be arrested.
