Katlehong, Gauteng — Police have detained four individuals, including a local pastor and his security team, after a violent confrontation at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, involved the use of replica firearms and a panga to intimidate staff and students.

According to South African Government News Agency, the confrontation occurred on Monday when the pastor and his associates forcefully removed two minor children from the school premises. "The four were arrested last night and will appear in the Palm Ridge court in due course. They are facing a variety of charges including assault, handling a firearm recklessly that could endanger lives and property, rendering security services while not registered, malicious damage to property, and intimidation," the police reported. The authorities also confiscated the weapons involved in the incident, including the replica firearm and the pangas.

Further complicating the situation, one suspect was arrested for assaulting the Station Commander at Katlehong North police station during a subsequent disturbance, as a crowd demanded to see the pastor. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has indicated that additional arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.