Five people reportedly died during a hostage situation at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom, Westonaria this morning, Saturday 11 July at approximately 3am.
According to the Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, spokesperson for the National Police Commissioner, more than 40 suspects, including six others who were taken to hospital, were arrested.
“Among those arrested were members of the police, South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), and Correctional Services,” Naidoo said.
He said over 34 firearms including five rifles, 16 shotguns and 13 pistols were seized at the crime scene.
“The crime scene is still being processed, and the number of arrests and details about the firearms involved may fluctuate as the Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team and Visible Police members continue to comb the compound,” Naidoo said.
He said during the response, joint law-enforcement agencies managed to rescue men, women and children who are said to be living in the compound and were held hostage.
