South Africa church attack: Multiple killings as gunmen take 200 hostages in Johannesburg
FIVE people were killed and many hostages held at a South African church in a deadly attack this morning.
South Africa: Police respond to ‘hostage situation’ at church
South African Police said they were alerted to a "hostage situation and shooting" in the early hours of the morning at the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom near Johannesburg. Thirty arrests were made and more than 25 firearms seized, police said, adding hostage negotiators were still at the scene.
However, the force did not say why or how many hostages had been taken.
Hostage negotiators and a tactical response team remain at the church.
South African National Defence Force members have also been deployed to assist law enforcement due to the scale of the incident.
Television station eNCA cited a church official as saying roughly 200 people had been taken hostage.
The International Pentecost Holiness Church, which bases its headquarters in Zuurbekom, is among the largest African initiated Christian churches in Southern Africa with three million members.
A South African Police Service spokesperson said: "Police in the early hours of this morning were alerted to a hostage situation and shooting at the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom.
“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.
READ MORE: M5 stabbing: Urgent police hunt after road rage attack
“The scene is still active with SAPS Hostage Negotiators, the TRT, Special Task Force, Air Support and the SANDF on the ground.”
The force warned locals to stay clear of the church.
Local reports also ruled out that the incident was a robbery because of the large number of suspects being arrested.
DON'T MISS:
London stabbing: Murder investigation after double stabbing in Poplar [INSIGHT]
Bus driver dies after being beaten by passengers [JUST IN]
Coronavirus crisis: Unions demand tougher action from transport chief [REVEAL]