Gauteng police said that 56 people belonging to the Liberation Struggle War Veterans are expected to face charges of kidnapping after they held ministers Thandi Modise and Mondi Gungubele along with Thabang Makwetla, hostage for over three hours at the St George’s Hotel in Centurion.
The war veterans had been protesting against the government’s failure to pay them reparations. Eyewitness News was on the scene when the trio was freed by the special task force, with the assistance of military police at about 10pm on Thursday night. Scores of law enforcement officials swarmed the St George’s Conference Centre in Irene after a meeting between military veterans and the defence minister turned into a hostile standoff.
In a video leaked to Eyewitness News during the meeting, tensions ran high after veterans accused Thandi Modise of failing to address their grievances. Disgruntled members then blocked the doors. What I do know, is they were whisked away by the protectors. I’m not sure exactly where. We successfully penetrated the room where they were being held hostage, and there were no shots fired.” said the police’s Vish Naidoo.
However, sources inside the venue said that shots were fired when the task force and military police swooped in. It’s critical comrades, we are down now. They’ve shot some of us,” said one person who was inside. Police have confirmed that at least three of the arrested people were taken for medical treatment.
Source: News365
In other news – Kamo Mphela reveals huge plans for her 22nd birthday
Kamo Mphela has kicked off preparation for her 22nd birthday which will occur in November 2021.
The amapiano queen broke into the industry at a tender age through her dance skills, and she’s gone from just being a dancer to being a hitmaker. Learn more
