News24 reports that the Special Task Force stormed the St George's Conference Centre in Irene, Pretoria, on Thursday evening to rescue Defence Minister Thandi Modise, her deputy, Thabang Makwetla, and Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, after they were held hostage by disgruntled military veterans.
The elite unit, assisted by the military police and police, swooped in after the group blocked the trio from leaving a meeting meant to discuss their demands for government assistance. Police spokesperson Brigidier Vish Naidoo said 56 people were arrested and three were injured. The group had been demanding an audience with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza. "There were no shots fired but while processing the suspects, we have taken three for medical treatment because they were complaining of pains. One has complained of injury and we are not sure how the injury was sustained," Naidoo said. Gungubele confirmed the Task Force was sent in and the trio was made to leave just before 22:00 after being held hostage from 19:00. Gungubele added the group refused to discuss its concerns with anyone but Ramaphosa and Mabuza.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Qaanitah Hunter at News24
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