Armed Robbery Strikes South Africa's Transport Minister and Security Detail
South Africa's Transport Minister and her bodyguards fell victim to an armed robbery, as confirmed by the South African Police Service (SAPS)
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and her security detail were victims of an armed robbery on Monday, as reported by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The incident occurred while they were travelling on the N3 highway between Vosloorus and Heidelberg, south of Johannesburg.
During a parliamentary committee hearing on Tuesday, the minister spoke about the incident, describing it as a "highly traumatic and devastating" experience. Chikunga recalled that the incident occurred around 3.30am local time when the car she was traveling in had a puncture. While her bodyguards were replacing the tire, she noticed individuals outside the window brandishing a firearm towards the protectors.
South Africa has been rocked by several mass shootings in recent months
Ihsaan Haffejee/AFP/Getty Images
10 members of same family killed in South Africa mass shooting
Chikunga reported attempting to retrieve her phone to request assistance, but before she could react, the individuals forcefully unlocked the door and aimed a firearm at her head. The three individuals, elegantly attired, demanded that she exit the vehicle and proceeded to demand money.
She claimed that her bodyguards were thoroughly searched and attempted to confiscate her ring, but she refused as it symbolized the connection between her late husband and her.
According to SAPS, the robbery resulted in the theft of two police service pistols and personal possessions. SAPS has initiated a manhunt in response to the incident, and the victims are being provided with assistance and counseling.
South Africa has been plagued by gun violence for many years, experiencing numerous mass shootings in the current year alone. Local police data confirms that the country also holds one of the highest murder rates globally.
Unfortunately, in April, a devastating incident occurred in KwaZulu-Natal province where gunmen ruthlessly took the lives of 10 individuals, including a young 13-year-old boy. Tragically, all of the victims belonged to the same family.
