This is not going to stop us, vows pastor after deadly Centurion church shooting

The two suspects were shot and killed after three gunmen stormed the church in Wierda Park, disrupting a Sunday service by firing shots and taking cell phones and jewellery.

The two suspects were shot by Pieter van der Westhuizen, the brother of the late Springbok rugby player Joost van der Westhuizen.

One of the suspects managed to flee the scene. 

ALSO READ: Pieter van Westhuizen's lawyer speaks out after robbers shot dead at church in Centurion

“This is not something to put us on a map. We are going on with the ten o’clock service next week, maybe not as normal but we will go on. This not going to stop us.”

Erasmus says the whole episode only lasted no longer than three minutes. 

“Three guys came into our church with guns. They put the gun to my head and hit me with it and told me to lie down, but I couldn’t because I have a hip problem. I am on crutches. 

“He wounded me and there was blood and that was quite an experience for the members at church. He went to the organ, drums and took their watches and jewelery came back to the pulpit and took my phone.”

Erasmus says soon after the sound of gun shots were ringing in the church building.

“The second suspect was shot. Pieter van Der Westhuizen, who had to come back to the church because the guy who was already shot, shot three more into the crowd. 

“We are very sore for the people who lost their lives. Querentia is a place of safety, it’s a place where you renew your power and be yourself, yet people lost their lives.”

Except for Erasmus who was injured after being hit with a gun by one of the suspects, no other injuries were reported by any of the congregants.

Van der Westhuizen is cooperating with police and has reportedly already supplied them with a statement detailing the events of the day.