By Kaya 959 Reporter
Former MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus is calling for the release of MKMVA vets involved in Thursday’s hostage drama.
The vets held two cabinet ministers and a deputy minister hostage at a hostel in Pretoria.
According to reports, MKMV officials held Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, and Deputy Defence Minister Thabang Makwetla hostage after talks went sour.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo says after attempts to negotiate with the hostage-takers failed, police resorted to a tactical approach and successfully rescued the hostages.
Fortunately, there was no exchange of gunfire during the rescue. Fifty-six people, including seven women, face kidnapping charges.
Three suspects received medical attention after complaining about pains. The suspects are due in court on Friday.
Niehaus says the events that unfolded on Thursday were long in the making.
He adds that the government and the ANC should have been sensitive to the mood of the officials prior to speaking to them.
Niehaus says President Cyril Ramaphosa set up a committee to address the concerns. But the response from the committee had been slow, he says.
Niehaus says the meeting was about the manner in which the government has treated military veterans.
He adds that they have asked for jobs, housing, and medical care for many years.
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