At least five killed in hostage situation in Johannesburg

At least five people have been killed in a hostage situation at the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom, west Johannesburg, according to police on Saturday.

South African police said 40 suspects have been arrested and more than 34 firearms were seized. The hostage negotiators are still at the scene.

According to a statement issued by the police, six of the suspects who were arrested have been taken to hospital.

The crime scene is still being processed and the figures of arrests and firearms seized may fluctuate as the Special Task Force, Tactical Response Team and Visible Policing members continue to comb the compound. These units have also rescued men, women and children who were being held hostage in the compound, the statement added.