Ferndale hostage drama ends in attempted suicide

The hostage situation ended with no injuries after the man held three people at knife point.


Police have arrested a man following a hostage incident at a home on Ryk Street, Ferndale in Randburg, Johannesburg.

This after the  suspect released three hostages and apparently took a large dose of pills in an attempt to kill himself on Wednesday, the Randburg Sun reported.

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The hostage situation ended with no injuries after the man held three people at knife point. It is unclear as to why the man, who is a tenant at the home, held up the three people.

Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masonda said police were called at around 9am to the house and a hostage negotiator was called. All three hostages were released unharmed.

“We suspect that the man has taken some pills and he will be taken to a hospital. Thereafter he will be charged with kidnapping,” Masondo said.

Masondo confirmed that the man was holding his landlord, his wife and another woman hostage for over six hours, and used two knives.

– Caxton News Service

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