Thandi Modise denies there was security lapse

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has denied there was a lapse of security when she and pther ministers were held hostage this week leading to rescue efforts by the Special Task Force.

Modise said they did not want to use excessive force when military veterans from MK, Apla and Azanla took her, Deputy Minister of Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele hostage at St George’s hotel in Pretoria.

She told the media yesterday she would investigate the problems facing the military veterans from the non-statutory forces.

Police Minister Bheki Cele said the Special Task Force, the National Intervention Unit and the Tactical Response Team were sent to Irene when he learnt the two ministers and a deputy minister were held hostage for three hours.

Modise said the negotiations between her delegation and the military veterans collapsed when they were prevented from leaving the venue by the group.

It was at that point they realised they were held against their will.

She denied that South Africa’s security was lax after the hostage drama. She said they would also not be increasing security for ministers because of the incident.

“I must say that we will be more careful when we meet.

“We will make sure we are not taken hostage again.

“I think South Africa has been put to a test.

“So far we have been able to hold it very tightly for the State not to go overboard in the use of force, for the state to listen more than it uses force and I think it’s a plus for the democracy of South Africa,” said Modise.

Gungubele said a bill on the benefits of military veterans was being developed to address their plight.

He said one of the issues was to verify those who were military veterans. So far 2 000 people have come forward for the verification purpose.

Modise also said they would not be able to afford the reparations of R4.2 million for each military veteran.

What they could do is look at the benefits that could be given to them.

This was a process that was already in place led by Deputy President David Mabuza.

The 56 military veterans will appear in court on Monday. Modise said they would not withdraw the kidnapping charges against the group.