Police say a gang of five suspects robbed staff at a cell phone store at gunpoint in Cato Ridge.

The suspects then fled the scene in a getaway vehicle – driving towards Umbumbulu. 

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Police spokesperson Lirandzu Themba says the suspects lost control of their getaway vehicle and subsequently fled on foot.

"Police officers from the K9 Unit and Special Task Force also joined the chase, in pursuit of the suspects who ran into the bushes. 

"One suspect was arrested while one suspect fled into a nearby house and held an elderly woman and her two young children hostage.

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"After a lengthy standoff, hostage negotiators managed to get the pensioner and her grandchildren released unharmed. The suspect was disarmed and arrested."

The remaining suspects are being sought by the police.