Tshwane – At least 56 people have been arrested following the hostage drama involving ministers at St George’s Hotel, Irene in Pretoria on Thursday.
Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, and her deputy Thabang Makwetla were rescued from being held hostage following a meeting between the Presidential Task Team and liberation combatants on matters of military veterans.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJoints) said police had rescued at least three hostages.
#sapsHQ Last night police successfully rescued at least three hostages in which two Cabinet Ministers and a Deputy Minister @ a hotel in Centurion, Pretoria. At least 56 people, including seven women, have been arrested. TMhttps://t.co/CDDqJNQFUs pic.twitter.com/xK8ZZYynz2
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) October 15, 2021
“At approximately 19:15 this evening (Thursday) 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.
At least 56 people, including seven women, were arrested and they were likely to face charges of at least three counts of kidnapping, said NATJoints spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo in a statement.
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Naidoo confirmed that there were no shots fired during the rescue.
“While processing the suspects, three of them have been taken for medical checks after they complained of pains,” he said.
Meanwhile, The Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, Chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza was set to hold a media briefing on Friday to update the public on government interventions and the comprehensive approach to address the challenges faced by military veterans.
I feel the pain of Military veterans but I do not think holding Minister Thandi Modise hostage was the right move.
She just been appointed as the Minister.
— TK_Nala (@NalaThokozane) October 14, 2021
The ministers being held hostage just shows how tired people are. Its like the man who walked into the Durban municipality with an alleged boom because he wanted his pension fund after years of trying, but no luck.
Its a shame, but you cant blame them. #MinistersHostage
— Bhokoloshe (@bhokontuli) October 15, 2021
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Compiled by Reginald Nhlapo
