MAMELODI EAST – A tense hostage drama is unfolding in Buffer Zone, Mamelodi East, where a police constable allegedly barricaded himself inside his home with members of his own family on Tuesday morning.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the situation began at about 8:00am when the officer allegedly fired two shots before police arrived at the scene.
“He is refusing to let his grandmother, nephew and another young boy out of the house. At this stage we can only confirm the three people inside the house with the constable. The police on the scene are also investigating the reason which led to this situation,” Muridili said.
Specialised police units, including hostage negotiators, the elite Special Task Force, and other SAPS members, have been sent to the area in an attempt to solve the standoff peacefully. The crime scene remains active.
Incidents of hostage-taking involving family members are rare but not unheard of in South Africa. In recent years, negotiators and tactical teams have been called to similar cases in Gauteng and the Free State, sometimes with tragic outcomes. In one case, children were rescued after a lengthy standoff, while in another, police officers were injured during an attempted rescue.
Authorities say they are trying to prioritise the safety of the hostages in Mamelodi and are continuing negotiations with the constable. The community has been urged to avoid the area until the situation is resolved.
The motive for the constable’s actions remains under investigation.
