Kwazulu-Natal – An emotional hostage taker who allegedly suspected his wife of cheating on him took his own life after shooting an 18-year-old during a hostage situation that lasted nearly six hours on Jacaranda Avenue in Mountview, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), residents requested assistance after a 65-year-old man entered a relative’s residence near his home and held a 68-year-old woman, her 38-year-old daughter, and 18 & 12-year-old grandsons hostage.
One of the grandsons was reportedly shot by the hostage taker.
“On arrival, Reaction Officers learnt that the gunman had shot the 18 year old. Officers surrounded the house and negotiated the release of the injured teenager.
“The man complied and allowed the male to exit the house. He was shot on his left hand. He was treated for a gunshot wound by RUSA Paramedics at safe location while the area remained locked down,” RUSA said.
The hostage taker reportedly suspected his wife of having an extramarital affair, believing that the 38-year-old female hostage had knowledge of the relationship and was supportive of it.
The 65-year-old man then requested that his wife be brought to the scene.
“The unemployed truck driver requested that his wife be transported to the scene and allowed to enter the home. His request was denied as Law Enforcement believed that he intended on shooting her. It has been confirmed that the suspect does not own a licensed firearm,” RUSA reported.
While members of the police’s Special Task Force (STF) took up tactical positions around the home, a hostage negotiator attempted to de-escalate the situation.
When police made their way into the home, they found that the hostage taker had taken his own life.
“At approximately 18:12, SAPS Officials breached the front door. The body of the suspect was located in a bedroom. He sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest,” RUSA said.
“RUSA Medics examined the male who was declared deceased at 18:19.
“According to one of the victims, the suspect spoke to his wife telephonically before he proceeded into the bedroom. They heard a gunshot shortly thereafter.”
No further injuries were reported. The hostages were “traumatised” by what had transpired.
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Picture: Facebook/ Reaction Unit South Africa
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
