Two gunmen were shot dead by the brother of South African rugby legend Joost van der Westhuizen as they tried to rob a congregation during a church service.

The two robbers were killed and a third was possibly wounded when they stormed into the Querencia Ministries church in Wierda Park, Centurion, South Africa, on Sunday.

They then proceeded to try and rob members of the congregation at gunpoint.

According to Netwerk24, the men were shot by Pieter van der Westhuizen, a congregant and the brother of South African professional rugby union player Joost van der Westhuizen.

Ruan Heyns of the Community Emergency Response Team said that Pastor Kobus Erasmus and other worshippers were pushed around and pistol-whipped by the men.

At one point one of the robbers reportedly held a pistol to Erasmus’ head.

A 15-year-old boy was also reportedly grazed by a bullet.