Hostage drama son, 20, escapes jail time

THE young man who was arrested following a dramatic hostage drama at a Seaview pharmacy last year was granted a reprieve during sentencing at the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court yesterday and managed to avoid imprisonment.

Ernst Lottering, 20, was sentenced to four years in jail, suspended for five years, and two years’ correctional supervision. He must also perform 16 hours of community service a week and attend rehabilitation programmes.

His father, Ernst snr, who allegedly wanted to commit suicide by ordering the frightened pharmacist to inject him with a lethal substance, is still undergoing psychiatric evaluation. He is due back in court next month.

Lottering was released yesterday morning, having spent six months in custody since his and his father’s arrest last October.

- Lee-Anne Butler