DURBAN – It is alleged that a business robbery occurred today at 10:30 at Cato Ridge. Five men entered a cellphone shop and robbed the staff at gun point.

The suspects stole a large number of cellphones before fleeing the scene in their getaway vehicle. Magma security was contacted and they immediately responded to the scene before alerting police.

The suspects fled towards Umbumbulu. On a dirt road, the suspects lost control of their vehicle. They alighted from their vehicle whilst firing shots at responding officers.

One of the suspects was arrested while others ran into the bushes. Police officers from the K9 Unit and Special Task Force also joined the chase. One of the suspects 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 K9’s.

Source: South African Police Service