South Africa’s Defence Minister Thandi Modise and another minister were held hostage on Thursday night by disgruntled military veterans unhappy about the government’s alleged insensitivity to their plight.
Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele had to be rescued by members of the special forces after more than 50 military veterans had barred them from leaving the conference hall at a Pretoria hotel after their meeting had reached a deadlock.
The veterans allegedly blocked the entrance to the hotel as the officials attempted to leave and accused Modise of not addressing their grievances.
The military veterans were protesting against the government’s failure to pay them reparations.
At least 50 people were arrested after the incident.
JN/APA