Johannesburg - Three men were killed, allegedly by community members, during a shoot-out in Lenasia Extension 1, south of Johannesburg, police said on Saturday.
It is alleged that three armed suspects entered a property and tied up two domestic workers, before locking them inside an outside toilet, Captain Mavela Masondo said.
Masondo said the female worker had been doing laundry and the male worker was doing gardening.
"When the owner and his brother arrived at the house, the suspects wounded the brother," Masondo said.
Local residents heard the gunshots and responded swiftly.
On their arrival, a shoot-out occurred, killing the three men and a 61-year-old community member.
A fourth suspect, waiting in getaway car, was apprehended and assaulted, allegedly by the community.
He was taken to hospital under police guard.
Police recovered three firearms.
Masondo said they are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder, attempted house robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.