Two suspects in church shooting – from Rustenburg

Rustenburg – Two of the 41 suspects implicated in a shooting incident which occurred at a church in the West Rand on Sunday 11 July are from Kanana, Rustenburg.

Five people lost their lives at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in Zuurbekom when the group attacked congregants and announced they were taking over the premises.

Law enforcement officers from the South African Police Services (SAPS), South African National Defence Forces (SANDF), Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the Department of Correctional Services were among the 41 suspects arrested and charged for the incident.

Over 34 firearms – including five rifles, 16 short guns and 13 pistols – were also seized by the police during the arrest.

The killings are allegedly linked to a leadership feud between sons of the late church leader Glayton Modise who died in 2016.

A spokesperson from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Phindi Mjonondwane said the suspects face charges of murder, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. The bail application of all 41 suspects commenced at the Westonaria Magistrates Court on Monday 27 July.    

Mjonondwane told Platinum Weekly that the process might take days owing to the high number of suspects involved.