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Military veterans allegedly involved in last week’s hostage drama to appear in court

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The military veterans who allegedly held senior government officials hostage last week are expected to appear at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Facility Court on Monday.

They are facing charges related to the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities Act.

The group of more than fifty, allegedly held Defence Minister Thandi Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele hostage for close to three hours at a hotel in Pretoria on Thursday evening.

The veterans apparently blocked the entrance to the hotel as the officials attempted to leave, allegedly because the meeting wasn’t proceeding as planned.

They accused Modise of not addressing their grievances.

The Police Task Force intervened and defused the situation.

The ministers were meeting the liberation war veterans about disputes over undelivered benefits before the hostage drama unfolded.

On Friday, government confirmed that the Presidential Task Team (PTT) appointed last year is currently looking into measures to deliver some of the promises made to veterans.

The disbanded Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association demanded the immediate release of the war veterans.

Meanwhile, Deputy President David Mabuza has urged members of the Military Veterans to be patient saying their plight will be addressed.

Mabuza is chairing the PTT on Military Veterans responsible for the welfare of former soldiers of the liberation movements.

Government has since condemned the actions of the military veterans: 

-Additional reporting by SABC News 

 

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