UPDATE: West Rand church shootout victim stable

At least three people were injured and 15 vehicles were stoned during what initially appeared to be a hostage situation at a church on Thursday morning (1 November), Randfontein Herald reports.

Captain Mavela Masondo, Provincial Police spokesperson denied these rumours and said that a case of attempted murder and malicious damage to property is being investigated by the police.

“No one was held hostage but there was a disagreement between two groups in the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) building, which escalated into a shootout. The person who was shot as well as the other two who were injured during the fight are in a stable condition,” said Masondo.

He said that at least 200 people were present during the confrontation and that 12 vehicles were severely damaged. The police, as well as forensics experts, investigated the scene and no arrests have been made as yet.

“I cannot disclose how many firearms were confiscated but there were quite a few. Ballistic tests are being performed on them to find out which one was used to shoot the victim,” he said.

At least 200 people were present during the confrontation during which 12 vehicles were severely damaged. Photo: Jaco-Mari FutcherThe big question is how could a quarrel among church members escalate to a shootout. “There has been a rivalry between these groups for a long time and today it reached boiling point,” he said.

According to Captain Andile Moshani, West Rand Cluster Operation commander these two groups were separated and questioned.

“We have found that one group was upset, allegedly because the founder of the church is retiring and leaving his son in charge. One group was inside the church while the other group stormed the church.”