Husband, wife killed, two girls rescued in a hostage drama

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A husband and wife were killed while two girls rescued in a hostage drama on Monday in Mandela Park, Phuthaditjhaba.

The 57-year-old man reportedly locked himself in the house as well as his 43-year-old wife and two little children aged three and seven in a standoff that lasted for twelve hours.

Police spokesperson sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said hostage negotiators team was summoned to the scene as well as the tactical response team.

“The standoff continued throughout the night until on Tuesday at about 7:30am when police heard two gunshots coming from inside the house. 

“Special task force members, who were in the process also mobilised, tactically entered the house and managed to rescue the two little girls. In the other room they discovered the wounded husband and wife in a pool of blood”.

The couple succumbed to gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene. 

A murder case and inquest were open for further investigation. 

Meanwhile, police have arrested four suspected hitmen and a woman who allegedly ordered a hit on another woman on Sunday night.

A 30-year-old woman reportedly hired hitmen to kill another woman whom she accused of having an affair with her boyfriend.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the woman travelled with the four men to Ntabamhlophe where the hit was to be carried out.

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“The suspects shot the 63-year-old mother of the intended victim in a case of mistaken identity before fleeing the scene. She was certified dead at the scene.

“Police officers were alerted of the incident and intercepted the vehicle near the Mooi River Toll Plaza.

“The woman claimed to have asked for a lift from the four men, however preliminary investigations confirmed that she was the owner of the vehicle.

“One of them had blood stains on his clothing and a firearm with three rounds of ammunition was found in the possession of the suspects.”

All five suspects were arrested and will appear in court soon.