An intense and life-threatening hostage situation is unfolding at a Shoprite store in Westonaria, according to crime microblogger @crimeairnetwork.
Shoprite hostage situation: Here’s what we know
Details surrounding the incident that took place at a Shoprite supermarket in Westonaria, a town situated in the west of Gauteng province, are still a bit sketchy.
Alas, reports from the renowned crime reporter suggest that at least six armed robbers stormed into the retail outlet demanding cash.
It’s understood that the suspects made their way into the store through the staff entrance and gained access to the safe, where an undisclosed amount of money was allegedly taken.
However, Westonaria police quickly responded to the alerts and cordoned off the area as the suspects were attempting to flee.
A shootout ensued between the armed perpetrators and police officers and we understand that four armed robbers have since been arrested.
What’s the latest on the stand-off?
The remaining two suspects retreated back into the Shoprite supermarket, where an unknown number of staffers were hiding for safety.
At the time of publishing this article, the two suspects were still holding Shoprite staffers hostage inside the store and from what we know, police have not yet entered the building to try and save the staffers.
In this video, taken by an unknown individual outside the building complex, the sound of at least two helicopters can be heard as authorities have clamped down on the area, awaiting further instructions on how to approach this sensitive situation.
The main priority, at this stage, is to ensure the safety of the hostages and prevent the unnecessary death of innocent lives.
Based on the fact that the four arrested suspects were caught with automatic rifles, it is believed that the hostage-takers are armed and dangerous.
This is a developing story
