Five held after stand-off

2003-06-10 11:33

Johannesburg - Three men and two women were arrested for allegedly dealing in drugs after a three-hour stand-off with police in Randburg on Tuesday morning, West Rand police reported.

Inspector Yolande Bouwer said eight members of the city's drug task team arrived at the townhouse complex in Sundowner, part of Randburg, about 04:00 after following up information that the five were allegedly involved in drug trafficking.

The police stormed the house and one of the men allegedly opened fire on the officers, who then left the house. Nobody was hurt.

Police called for back-up and several members from reaction task teams as well as police negotiators arrived at the complex.

"After three hours, police negotiators convinced the three men as well as two women - one with her 13-month-old baby - to give themselves up," Bouwer said.

Police confiscated a licensed CZ pistol.

Bouwer said police suspected that the group allegedly got rid of the drugs by flushing them down a toilet.

A forensic team was searching the premises and three vehicles.

The group is being held at Honeydew police station and they will be charged with possession of drugs. One will be charged with attempted murder.

The baby will be cared for by family members.

- SAPA