Tense Standoff at Fast Food Giant: McDonald’s Employee Holds Colleagues Hostage in Durban
An employee at a McDonald’s restaurant in Durban’s Berea Road has been arrested after holding three of her colleagues hostage. The incident came to an end when the police used stun grenades to rescue the women, who were being held at knifepoint.
Also read: Rapper Shebeshxt Faces Legal Trouble as Assault Case is Opened Against Him
Dramatic Rescue: Stun Grenades Used to Free Hostages
According to Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police, the woman, who is a former employee, arrived at the restaurant on King Dinuzulu Road and held the employees hostage with a knife. The police were called to the scene and had to employ a stun grenade to free the victims. The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken to the hospital for medical observation. She is currently under police guard.
An investigation into the incident has been launched under the charge of kidnapping, though no additional arrests have been made.
Also read: A Life Turned Upside Down: Tebogo Thobejane Breaks Silence on Financial Struggles and Trauma
MacDonald’s Employee holds Colleagues Hostage, Demands to Speak to Senior Management
The incident took place in the office located on the top floor of the building. The suspect, who was apparently upset, entered the office armed with a knife and demanded to speak to senior management.
Sources revealed that the suspect, employed as an assistant manager at another McDonald’s branch, was facing a disciplinary hearing, although the specific charges against her remain unclear.
Emergency services responded swiftly after 1:30 pm, with specialized police units managing the situation. Meanwhile, the area surrounding the eatery was cordoned off as bystanders gathered, eager to catch a glimpse of the unfolding events.
In a distressing video shared from the scene, one of the hostages pleaded for help, prompting the intervention of a private security company after unsuccessful attempts to reach the authorities via 10111.
Also read: South African Music Producer Prince Kaybee Faces Death Threats Amidst Online Hatred
Injuries Reported: Four Hospitalized, Including Suspect
The video footage captured the suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed pending her court appearance, brandishing a large knife and shouting at the staff, demanding media attention and to speak with the CEO.
The woman repeatedly forced the victims onto the balcony, escalating the tension of the situation.
Paramedics from ALS attended to the injured parties, with three women sustaining minor injuries, while the suspect suffered moderate injuries. All four individuals were transported to various hospitals for further medical attention.
