Five people have been killed after attackers invaded the International Pentecost Holiness Church in Zuurbekom, west of Johannesburg, South African police have said.

Some of the attackers took hostages but later freed them.

At least 40 people have been arrested and 40 firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns seized, police spokesman Vishnu Naidoo told the local eNCA television on Saturday.

The gunmen who stormed the church were part of a splinter group.

There has been infighting among the church’s leadership since its former leader died in 2016.

Below is the statement released by the church following the attack:

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