Police hostage negotiators managed to rescue a 12 year old boy who was held hostage by his 22 year old sister in Stilfontein. Yesterday, Wednesday, 23 July 2012, at about 14h00 the boy returned from school and was inside their house, when his sister took him hostage and threatened to kill him with their mother’s firearm, which she took from the safe.
Their parents were at work when the incident happened, but an elder brother, aged 28, was at home and called for help. The police arrived on the scene at 14h10 and started negotiations. At 15h10 the police managed to convince the sister to let the boy go. She also handed herself over to the police at 15h20. The firearm, used during the incident, a 7.65 Beretta, was recovered by the police.
The 12 year old boy was, after being examined at the scene, handed to his grandmother and sustained no injuries. The suspect will be admitted in hospital under police guard. The sister will be charged with attempted murder and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The Provincial Commissioner of the North West, LT Gen Zukiswa Mbombo congratulated all members on the scene for saving the boy and his sister’s life.
Media enquiries:
Capt Adéle Myburgh
Tel: 018 299 7269
Fax: 018 299 7248
Cell: 082 856 0932
E-mail: MyburgA@saps.gov.za
Police negotiators rescue 12 year old boy
