Four confirmed dead in S. African hostage situation

Four people were found dead following a hostage situation in a Pretoria suburb, police confirmed on Thursday.

A man took several people hostage after he opened fire at community members Wednesday afternoon in a Moreleta Park townhouse complex in Pretoria.

Police rescued the hostages unharmed late Wednesday, including two police officers, police spokesperson Captain Dave Miller said.

Earlier reports said two people were killed by the gunman before he committed suicide.

But on Thursday morning police found four bodies, Miller said.

Three bodies, believed to be those of community members, were found outside a house and one body, suspected to be that of the attacker, was found inside the house, according to Miller.

"Members of our Special Task Force went through into the suspect's house. During the search they discovered the body of a deceased male. I can further confirm that outside of the house there were three members of the community that are deceased," Miller said.

The hostage drama started at about 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoon following reports of gunshots.

It's unclear what sparked the standoff.

Police refused to identify the gunman who was reported to behave erratically at times.

Miller said police are investigating the circumstances of the hostage-taking. Endit