tense family hostage standoff in Wentworth, south of Durban, concluded peacefully on Sunday after several hours, with police arresting the armed suspect and safely releasing his wife and young child.
The incident began shortly before 6am when a man, believed to be in his 40s, allegedly held his wife and their child – aged between four and five – hostage inside a vehicle near the corner of Jonas Road and Austerville Drive. Reports indicate the man had attempted to leave a nearby block of flats with his family before being intercepted by police, leading to the standoff close to the Wentworth police station.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that the young boy was released unharmed earlier in the negotiations. Police hostage negotiators and the Special Task Force were on scene, with the area cordoned off for public safety.
Just before 11am, after approximately five hours, the man surrendered, allowing his wife to be freed safely. No physical injuries were reported to the hostages.
“This was followed by his partner and then we did see that he was arrested by all necessary peace officers in attendance,” Jamieson said.
KwaZulu-Natal police have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident, though details remain limited at this stage. Road closures in the area were lifted following the resolution.
Authorities praised the negotiators for the non-violent outcome.