“It was not a hostage situation”, confirms Durban North police spokesperson
When SAPS arrived at the business, the female customer had left and statements were taken from the owner and the male customer.
DURBAN North SAPS officers responded to what they thought was a hostage situation earlier today, after the owner of an aesthetics clinic reported that she and her staff were being held up by an irate customer.
Durban North police spokesperson, Captain Raymond Deokaran, said the owner felt intimidated and it was not a hostage situation at all.
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“A customer asked the staff at reception for a refund because he was unhappy with the results of his treatment. When the staff asked him for his banking details, another female customer, also wanting a refund overheard. She then asked “what about my refund? You have my banking details and I haven’t received my refund yet”,” said Deokaran.
He said the man then became upset and demanded to see the owner.
“When she appeared, he spoke to her angrily demanding his money back. That’s when the owner called the police and said she and her staff were being held up,” he said.
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Deokaran said the man was in possession of a firearm, but he did not pull it out.
He added that when SAPS arrived at the business, the female customer had left and statements were taken from the owner and the male customer.
“The situation is diffused and nobody was injured. No case was opened. Arrangements were made with the owner for the money to be transferred into the customer’s account,” said Deokaran.
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