Gun-wielding suspect disarmed in Westville holding cells
Police are investigating how a suspected shoplifter managed to get a 9mm pistol into the holding cells of the Westville police station last night.
The Special Task Force and a hostage negotiator had to be called in after the 38-year-old man threatened to turn the gun on himself.
The man was arrested after allegedly walking into a store and eating a pie without paying for it.
"Later in the night, the police received an anonymous call - informing them that the suspect in the holding cells had a firearm. Backup was called and he was asked to declare whether he had a firearm in his possession.
"He then drew the weapon and pointed it at the police. The police managed to negotiate with him and was later disarmed," police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said.
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Gwala says an internal investigation is being conducted to determine how he entered police holding cells with a firearm.