News24 reports that a former SA National Defence Force (SANDF) solider has been detained by the KZN police for questioning in connection with a hostage situation at the Government Employees Pension Fund’s (GEPF’s) offices in Durban.

The armed man, who retired as a soldier earlier this year, held GEPF employees hostage for an hour over his frustration at delays in receiving his pension. The man allegedly stormed the offices on the 12th floor of Salmon Grove Chambers on Anton Lembede Street on Thursday afternoon armed with a pistol.  No shots were fired and the firearm was not drawn. No one was assaulted. Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said they had taken the man for interrogation and would open a case of intimidation. Mbhele dismissed reports that the man had carried an explosive device. Reports of a man armed with an explosive device sent afternoon shoppers into a panic and brought traffic to a standstill on the busy street earlier on Thursday afternoon. A phalanx of emergency personnel and law enforcement officers stood ready on high alert outside the building. GEPF confirmed the incident and said trauma counselling would be given to employees who were subjected to the hostage drama.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Malibongwe Dayimani at News24
• Read too, Durban-gyselaarsdrama: Verdagte het ‘pensioengeld’ geëis, at Maroela Media

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page