IPHC church attack was ‘well-planned’

THE attack at the International Pentecost Holiness Church, which claimed five lives, was well-planned, the State has claimed.

Yesterday, prosecutor Moses Tshamano said the 11 July attack at the church’s headquarters in Zuurbekom was well-orchestrated.

He added some of the 42 suspects were arrested after being found in possession of weapons.

The suspects arrested on that day have made formal bail applications in the Westonaria Magistrate’s Court. They are facing charges of murder, public violence and attempted murder as well as being in the possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition.

Tshamano alleged some were caught with guns while leaving the church premises.

“We are sitting with two versions - that of the investigating officer and that of the accused. The accused said they were arrested when they arrived at the church. The State witness stated that [some of the accused] were arrested leaving the church premises carrying firearms. This attack was planned.”

He said another group of the accused “were part of the group that went inside the church. Accused number 22, who owns a security company, was also arrested with a group leaving the church.

“Accused number one to 18 all worked for accused number 22. They [accused one to 18] were not going to work as they claimed, but to join others inside the church.”

Regarding a firearm found inside a Toyota Quantum, Tshamano said the accused were aware of it. He added the firearm, whose serial number was filed off, was not concealed or hidden inside the vehicle.

The court earlier heard the Toyota Quantum, which was occupied by 14 of the suspects, was reportedly stolen in KwaDukuza in KwaZuluNatal in August last year. — Sapa