Crisis In South Africa As Disgruntled Military Veterans ‘Kidnap’ Ministers

Two ministers and a deputy minister were held hostage on Thursday night at the St George’s Hotel in Centurion.

They were the Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise and her Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla. 

The ministers were held by military veterans who allegedly demanded over R4 million each, housing, medical aid and bursaries for their children. 

Gungubele released a video afterwards, explaining the events of the evening. 

The  hostage drama lasted for two hours before police special forces intervened. 

 Police spokesperson Vish Naidoo says a total of 56 people, including seven women, were arrested for kidnapping.

 “At approximately 19:15 this evening police received a report of a possible hostage situation in which two cabinet ministers and a deputy minister were allegedly taken hostage.

 “After attempts to negotiate with the hostage takers to release the hostages had failed, police resorted to a tactical approach and successfully rescued the hostages.”

 Naidoo says a further three people were injured and taken to hospital for medical checks; however, he didn’t elaborate on the nature of their injuries

The suspects will be charged with at least three counts of kidnapping each.

Below is a video of military veterans during the hostage situation: 

Adapted from Jacaranda News