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Pieter van der Westhuizen, pictured above sat next to his brother Joost, is reported to have shot and killed two men who attempted to rob the Querencia Ministries Church in Wierda Park, Centurion, during yesterday’s service.

A third robber is said to have been injured in the shooting, before making a getaway in a vehicle.

Whilst none of Pieter’s fellow congregants were injured, the pastor sustained injuries, reports OFM:

Pastor Kobus Erasmus and some of the congregants were shoved around and pistol-whipped, Ruan Heyns of Community Emergency Response Team told Netwerk24…

Van der Westhuizen’s attorney, Ulrich Roux, told Netwerk4 that his client – a former police officer – acted in self-defence when he took out his weapon and shot the two attackers.

Image: Netwerk24

One of them was reportedly holding a pistol to Erasmus’ head. A third was shot at but reportedly managed to flee. Van der Westhuizen is co-operating with the police investigation.

According to the police, three men entered the church and robbed churchgoers of their personal belongings, News24 reported.

It’s reported that a 15-year-old boy was also reportedly grazed by a bullet, but was not harmed.

In a later statement to News24, Roux said:

“Of course, it is a traumatic experience for anybody. He will be receiving the necessary counselling, but he seems okay. He was a police officer for 13 years, so he’s had the necessary training to deal with similar situations, but it remains a traumatic experience for everyone.”

Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said that the pastor, who sustained “minor injuries”, was treated at the church.

Roux also appeared on Jacaranda FM’s ‘Breakfast with Martin Bester’ earlier this morning:

‘Of course, a very traumatic thing that happened and fortunately no innocent people were hurt. There is a police investigation ongoing so I can not divulge too much about it.’ Roux said.

You can listen to the full interview here.

[sources:ofm&jacaranda]