Granny, young relatives caught in Umbumbulu hostage drama
A 50-year-old woman, her five-year-old granddaughter and two-year-old grandson, have been released after being held hostage in their home in Umbumbulu, south of Durban.
Police say the drama began earlier on Tuesday when five men held up staff at a cell phone shop in Cato Ridge and robbed the business.
It's understood they fled with the stolen items, driving towards Umbumbulu in their getaway vehicle.
A private security company responded and alerted the police who pursued the suspects.
Police say the driver of the getaway car lost control on a dirt road.
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They say officers managed to catch one of the suspects, while others fled into the bushes.
KZN police spokesperson Jay Naicker another alleged robber fled into a nearby house and held the occupants hostage.
"After a lengthy standoff, with the assistance of the hostage negotiators, the suspect was apprehended and his firearm was seized. The grandmother and her two young grandchildren who were held hostage were released unharmed.
"Three other suspects are still in the bushes and are being pursued by police officers with their K9s."
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