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56 arrested after S. African ministers ‘held hostage’ by military veterans demanding reparations for fight against white rule — RT World News

After ANC anti-apartheid veterans took three South African ministers hostage at a Pretoria hotel, Pretoria, South Africa and demanded compensation for white rule, at least 56 persons were taken into custody.

South Africa’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJoints) agency has confirmed that it was forced to act on Thursday night to free three government ministers who were “held hostage”Pretoria hotel. According to the group, at least 56 individuals, seven of them women, will face kidnapping charges. 



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The police added that the three suspects were being treated for pain after they complained of it. 

Mondli Gungubele – a minister of the presidency – said he, Thandi Modeise, and her deputy Thabang Makwetla were locked in a hotel conference hall after a bitter meeting with African National Congress antiapartheid veterans. 

Gungubele claimed that the meeting ran its course with no outcome and that they were happy to continue. The doors to the conference room were shut behind them when they tried to exit. 

“It is at that point when we realized that we’re held hostage,”Gungubele added that “it is a situation which was averted by the security forces, very effectively and successfully.” The minister labeled the incident as “Unacceptable” and “Legally, it is unacceptable” 

According to local media sources, Liberation Struggle War Veterans(LSWV), a disbanded ANC military wing has demanded R4.2million ($285,000 each). Ministers from the ANC government had agreed to negotiate with them at Pretoria’s hotel. 

This week, former anti-apartheid activists protested at Luthuli House (ANC Headquarters), in Johannesburg. The building was evacuated Tuesday due to a security breach, and because it did not comply with Covid-19 protocols. 

Lwazi Mzobe, spokesperson for LSWV, dismissed these allegations and told Newzroom Afrika the ministers weren’t held against their will. Mzobe says the ANC government is failing its rebel veterans, who fought against apartheid. They would use the requested money to pay housing allowances, for health insurance for their families, and for tuition fees for their children at university.

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