At least five people were killed and dozens of others were arrested after a bloody attack on a South African church.
Four of those who died were beaten and burnt to death in a car, and a security guard was also shot and killed during the violence that happened Saturday at a church in Zuurbekom, located in South Africa’s Gauteng Province, according to ABC News.
Police in Zuurbekom first responded to calls about a shooting and a hostage situation at the town’s International Pentecostal Holiness Church at about 3 a.m. Authorities said an armed group of people went to the church with the purpose of seizing the facility. The assailants allegedly attacked those inside. Officials said the incident “may have been motivated by a feud between conflicted parties of the church.”
National Commissioner of Police Gen. Khehla John Sitole addressed the attack in a Saturday statement, praising the response of law enforcement.
“I am certain that the speedy response by the joint security forces has averted what could have been a more severe blood bath,” Sitole said. “It is rather unfortunate that such an incident takes place during a time when South Africa is being plagued by a deadly virus and violent crimes.”
At least 40 people were arrested. The men, women, and children who were allegedly being held hostage in the compound were rescued.
