Subscribe now! Benefit from such as
A South African minister said Tuesday that a gun was pointed at her head before stealing and that her bodyguards’ guns were stolen in what police called an “unprecedented incident. “
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said she was unharmed but traumatized by the ordeal in the early hours of Monday.
“I’m in one piece,” Chikunga told a parliamentary committee on Tuesday. “This total experience is very traumatic and devastating. “
Chikunga’s car was forced to stop on a road south of Johannesburg after the tyres were punctured with nails, the Transport Ministry said.
As their bodyguards exited the vehicle to replace tires, three “well-dressed” armed men in balaclavas appeared and disarmed them, Chikunga said.
“They opened my door. . . They pointed a gun at my head and ordered me to leave,” he said.
Police said the robbers stole belongings and two handguns from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Chikunga said her computer and phone were among the items stolen, adding that the gunmen demanded cash from her, but she was only wearing 200 rand ($10).
“A manhunt has since been launched following this unprecedented incident and to bring the culprits to justice,” police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe said.
The incident, involving a high-ranking official and armed security guards, occurred even in crime-ridden South Africa.
The country has long had a reputation as one of the most dangerous places in the world outside of war zones.
Police recorded more than 500 robberies and nearly 70 murders per day in the country of 62 million people between April and June this year.
The government has been accused of failing to ensure protection and justice for victims of crime.
“SAPS is committed to fulfilling its mandate as the executive of the country and the wider network,” Mathe said.
“VIP coverage is one of SAPS’ key priority spaces and has been carried out with excellence over the years. “