Forty-two suspects that were recently arrested in connection with murders at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) in Zuurbekom, Gauteng have been released on bail.
The suspects were released on Tuesday on R5,000 bail each.
They were granted bail in the Westonaria magistrate’s court but the case was later postponed to November 27 for further investigation.
Among those involved in the fatal hostage drama on July 11 includes a police officer, a member of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) and a lawyer.
At the scene of the incident, four bodies with bullet wounds were found by the police.
Two bodies were badly burnt while a fifth person was partially burnt but was alive.
The member of the SANDF was rushed to Leratong hospital but he later died.
The advocate representing 21 of the suspects, Barry Roux, argued that the police did not have enough evidence to point out those responsible for the incident.
He also accused the investigating officer, Sgt George Maditse of being one sided towards the church.
Police however have described the incident as an “organised crime”.
According to Maditse’s affidavit, the suspects “drove from as far as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo to come and do this evil deed”.
“None of the 42 bail applicants is a member of the IPHC in Zuurbekom,” said Maditse. “The applicants kidnapped church congregants and put them in one place. Among the congregants were the sickly, old people and children who are traumatised until this day.”
