/ 24 January 2003

Gunman killed after taking hostages in Cape bar

A 28-year-old Plattekloof Glen man has died after being shot by police after he took two women bar attendants hostage on Wednesday night, police said.

Superintendent Riaan Pool on Thursday said Danie Kruger was declared dead on arrival at Cape Town’s Tygerberg hospital. Kruger entered the Smugglers Sports Pub in Parow at about 6pm and fired a shot with his handgun to drive the patrons from the bar.

He then took the two bar attendants 0- named only as Adele and Noleen — hostage. Police surrounded the bar and negotiated with Kruger for several hours without success.

Shortly after 11pm Kruger moved away from the two women. Police then smashed a window and threw a stun grenade into the bar. Kruger then pointed his firearm at the police at which point they opened fire and wounded him.

Pool said the Indepenent Complaints Directorate was investigating the incident to review whether police on the scene had acted correctly. – Sapa