Hostage drama unfolds in Hammanskraal mall

Tshwane Metro police say the four suspects holed up in a Hammanskraal shopping complex have released their two hostages but remain in the centre.

Police spokesperson Willie Baloyi says the four apparently wanted to rob a shop in the complex.

The facility has since been emptied after police cordoned off the area. The Police Intervention Unit discharged teargas and stun grenades to flush out the suspects. Pretoria police have now found the loot left behind by the robbers.

Police say it is possible that the men got away. Hundreds of onlookers gathered at the scene and surrounding roads were cordoned off.