Nyanga Junction hostages are free
TEN people held hostage for at least 12 hours inside the Shoprite store at Nyanga Junction, near Manenberg, were rescued after the police’s special task force pounced, arresting one assailant.
A security guard was critically injured during a shoot-out with the assailant earlier yesterday.
“SAPS experts comprising hostage negotiators, Task Force members, National Intervention Unit and detectives descended on the premises following an attempted armed robbery.
“Several shots were heard inside the mall. Reports indicate that a shoot-out between security personnel and suspects had occurred early in the morning and a 25-year-old security guard was injured. He is currently fighting for his life in hospital,” police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said after the drama ended last night, the wounded suspect was taken to hospital under police guard.
At about 6am a group of armed men took Shoprite staff hostage, the retailer said in a statement.
“Five supermarket employees, three contracted security personnel and two employees from the contracted cleaning company were held hostage by the armed men inside the store for almost 12 hours.” Trauma counselling was arranged for workers affected, the Shoprite statement said.
Roads in the area were blocked off as police special teams dealt with the situation. Concerned residents from Manenberg and Gugulethu watched as the police hostage negotiators engaged the armed robbers. Police snipers were seen checking every movement from inside the mall. Metrorail train service was restricted to Heideveld and Philippi stations. Nyanga train station where the Nyanga Junction is situated, is one station away.
Some residents close to Nyanga Junction were heard talking about how they woke up to gunshots early yesterday. Corne Vermeulen, a spokesperson for security company Tsu Protection Services said they were responsible for security at all Shoprite stores. He said the company focused more on stores in places such Nyanga Junction because they were high risk areas.