Durban hostage situation diffused, no injuries reported
The scene of an active hostage situation on Anton Lembede Street in the Durban CBD has been diffused, as of yesterday (Thursday).
KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed that around 14:00 on Thursday, the suspect, a retired security guard, entered the Government Employees Pension Fund offices and held one of the employees hostage.
The man is believed to have “demanded payment of his pension”, added Mbele.
She said the suspect verbally threatened a pension manager, and while the suspect was armed he never produced his weapon.
“The situation was diffused by the task force and hostage negotiators. The hostage has been taken by the police for further interview”, she said.
Mbele refused claims that the suspect was armed with explosives.
Stores on Anton Lembede Street are being shut down. The public is also being asked to stay clear of the area. #DurbanHostage @etvNewsSA pic.twitter.com/GwpxNWok35
— Nabeelah Shaikh (@Nabeelah_Shaikh) June 10, 2021
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