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Scores arrested, defence minister rescued from hostage situation in Irene

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Over 50 people have been arrested following violence at the St. George’s Hotel in Irene, south of Pretoria. This after a crowd of military veterans held hostage Defence Minister, Thandi Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla and Minister in the Presidency, Mondli Gungubele.

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

The crowd accused Modise of not addressing their grievances.

SABC Political Reporter, Samkele Maseko, says the special forces had to break into the hotel in order to rescue the officials.

The military veterans were protesting against the government’s failure to pay them reparations.

Minister in the Presidency, Gungubele, who was one of the hostages, called the incident untenable and criminal. He has thanked Minister of Police, Bheki Cele and the security forces for coming to their rescue.

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