Former McDonald’s staffer to face kidnapping charge for Berea hostage drama
A former McDonald's employee is facing a charge
of kidnapping following Tuesday's hostage drama on
the Berea.
It led to a tense standoff at the King Dinuzulu Road eatery where three women, believed to be managers of the outlet, were being held at knifepoint.
The almost three-hour-long ordeal ended with the arrest of the 38-year-old suspect.
Police officers and negotiators who entered the establishment just after 4 pm resorted to subduing the suspect with a stun gun.
She was rushed to hospital where she remains under police guard.
Paramedics say hostages were not injured, just shaken by the incident.
Outside, several bystanders gathered, watching the situation as it unfolded.
"It's shocking what has happened, the whole road was closed, and we weren't sure what the story. It was hectic," said one woman.
Paramedics were placed on either side of the building. Once the police devised a plan and penetrated the building, they were called in to assess and treat the hostages as well as the hostage taker.
READ: Hostages released in Berea stand-off
The suspect and one of the victims were both wheeled out and taken to a hospital for observation.
The other two were released, declining treatment.
