Elderly couple stabbed during KZN hostage drama

An elderly couple is receiving medical attention after being repeatedly stabbed, allegedly by their reportedly mentally ill son.

It is understood that the 79-year-old father and 68-year-old mother were being held hostage in their flat in Buffelsdale by their 34-year-old son. There are unconfirmed reports that the suspect is bipolar.

The incident took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Tongaat, north of Durban.

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Police officers managed to apprehend the son, who had barricaded himself in the bedroom. He was armed with a knife, believed to be the same weapon used in the stabbing.

Medics from private security group Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) said they treated the couple for multiple stab wounds at the scene before they were taken to a medical facility for additional treatment. The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.

The South African Police Service (Saps) in KwaZulu-Natal could not be reached for comment.

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