Veterans Deny Hostage Drama Took Place, Demand Release of 56 Members

• The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association has denied that a hostage drama took place at St George's Hotel
• Defence minister Thandi Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla and minister in the presidency Mondli Gungubele were held against their will and 56 people were arrested
• The veterans association claims that most of the people arrested were elderly and three of them were women

The now defunct Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) has called for 56 of its members to be immediately released.

This follows their arrest after an alleged hostage situation took place with Defence minister Thandi Modise, her deputy Thabang Makwetla and minister in the presidency Mondli Gungubele being held allegedly against their will.

The meeting at the St George's Hotel did not go as planned, the two ministers were meant to discuss complaints from the community.

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In a flat denial, the organisation refused to concede that a hostage situation took place and that many of those who were arrested were elderly and at least three of them were female.

Ministers claim hostage drama was a positive sign that democracy is alive in South Africa

Earlier, Briefly News reported that in a stunning piece of media spin, ministers have hailed the hostage drama that recently took place as a positive sign that South Africa's democracy is maturing.

Two ministers were taken hostage for three hours by disgruntled ANC military veterans.

Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele and Defence Minister Thandi Modise were eventually released.

ANC ward candidate gunned down while campaigning door-to-door in KZN

Earlier, Briefly News reported that ANC ward councillor candidate Siyabonga Mkhize has been fatally wounded following what police suspect could be politically motivated killings. The politician was out campaigning in Cato Crest in the eThekwini municipality on Friday evening when gunshots were fired at around 18:20 pm.

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ANC ward candidate gunned down while campaigning door-to-door in KZN

Another unidentified person has also been declared dead, News 24 reports.

"Two deceased, 40 and 46, died at the scene and [another] two were rushed to hospital for medical attention. The scene is still active," police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said.

ANC Provincial spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela says details are still sketchy at this point but the party remains shocked by Mkhize's passing.

Source: Briefly News