Allegations of infidelity led to a 65-year-old man’s suicide during a hostage situation that lasted nearly six (6) hours on Jacaranda Avenue in Mountview
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Residents contacted Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA)at approximately 12:46 requesting assistance after a 65-year-old man entered a relative’s residence near his home and held a 68-year-old woman, her 38-year-old daughter, and 18 & 12-year-old grandson hostage. On arrival, Reaction Officers learned that the gunman had shot the 18-year-old.
Officers surrounded the house and negotiated the release of the injured teenager. The man complied and allowed the male to exit the house. He was shot on his left hand. He was treated for a gunshot wound by RUSA Paramedics at a safe location while the area remained locked down.
According to the hostage taker, he suspected his wife of having an extramarital affair. He believed that the 38-year-old female hostage had knowledge of the relationship and was in support of the affair. The unemployed truck driver requested that his wife be transported to the scene and allowed to enter the home.
His request was denied by Law Enforcement as it was believed that he intended on shooting her. It has been confirmed that the suspect does not own a licensed firearm. A hostage negotiator from the South African Police Service attempted to de-escalate the situation while members of the SAPS Special Task Force (STF) took up tactical positions around the home.
At approximately 18:12, SAPS Officials breached the front door. The body of the suspect was located in a bedroom. He sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest.
RUSA Medics examined the male who was declared deceased at 18:19. According to one of the victims, the suspect spoke to his wife telephonically before he proceeded into the bedroom. They heard a gunshot shortly thereafter.
The three hostages were traumatised. No further injuries were reported.