Cape Town Cash Crusaders held hostage, Twitter provides commentary

A Cape Town Cash Crusaders was held hostage Wednesday afternoon, resulting in a Hollywood-esque standoff that had Twitter enraptured.

“Strand Street” was trending in Cape Town by 2.18pm as images, videos and updates flooded the platform.

Police take aim in Strand Street following a robbery at Cash Crusaders, hostage situation. @IOL @TheCapeArgus pic.twitter.com/1XdP5Rdmrd

— Cape Times (@CapeTimesSA) July 5, 2017

Specialized security force leaves cash crusaders, fire fighters enter. Store appears to have been cleared. #CTrobbery pic.twitter.com/ykiDDvxmps

— James de Villiers (@pejames) July 5, 2017

#CBDRobbery and Cash Crusaders also made their way into the discourse.

Police confirm the #ArmedRobbery situation is over. Hostages unharmed, two suspects arrested and no money stolen from Cash Crusaders #eNCA

— Pheladi Sethusa (@pheladi_s) July 5, 2017

Most were using the trends to inform, but naturally some were using them to crack jokes.

“Strand Street” pic.twitter.com/wRnmsLXwx8

— PubRock Radio (@pubrockradio) July 5, 2017

“Strand Street” pic.twitter.com/eNM5LBsC4y

— Jason Sole (@KingJayded) July 5, 2017

I got 3 messages from 3 friends in CT telling me about the hostage situation at Cash Crusaders. Further proof that none one works there.

— Amith Gosai (@AMG133) July 5, 2017

So much drama at cash crusaders??? Our criminals need to set higher standards for themselves. What are you gonna do with a second hand HiFi?

— Kagiso D mokgadi (@KGcomic) July 5, 2017

Others saw a political side to the situation.

As I once said we would avoid what happened at strand street if South Africa gave people jobs.

— I am Lazola (@lazola_kuhle) July 5, 2017

And Steers — which is next door to the Cash Crusaders — saw an opportunity for branding, much to others’ dismay.

And we thought that was the line for our #WackyWednesday deal 😉 https://t.co/Fr95wZ8vmi

— Official Steers SA (@SteersSA) July 5, 2017

wait…

Did @SteersSA seriously just use a violent, traumatic & life-threatening event to try sell burgers? pic.twitter.com/V1MXkJFwga

— Saya Pierce-Jones (@saya_pj) July 5, 2017

Nothing beats a traumatic and potentially life-threatening hostage situation for a quick tactical brand opportunity.

— Animal Dog (@warricksherrell) July 5, 2017

The situation is over, but the road is still closed as of 3.22pm.