Transport minister and bodyguards robbed on N3
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and her VIP protection unit were robbed of their belongings, including firearms, while travelling between the N3 Vosloorus and Heidelberg on Monday morning.
Department of Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi said the tyres of the minister’s car were punctured by spikes, bringing it to a stop and enabling the criminals to rob the occupants.
“This incident took place in the early hours of Monday when the minister was en route to Pretoria, between N3 Vosloorus and Heidelberg,” said Msibi.
“Both the minister and her dedicated SAPS protection team emerged from this incident unharmed and safe. Minister Chikunga remains committed to fulfilling her government responsibilities and is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support she has received from her fellow government colleagues and the people of South Africa.”
Chikunga said she was inside a car when she heard commotion.
“I was sitting in the car and when they were done, I could hear a commotion outside and when I looked up, I could see people with guns pointing at the protectors.
“They couldn’t have done anything because they came behind them. They ordered them to lie on the ground and opened the door. I tried to make a call but they opened the door before I could, they pointed a gun at my head and ordered me out of the car,” said the minister.
Cellphones, cash from Chikunga and the bodyguards and her brother’s laptop were taken. When emptying the brother’s bag, they found a laptop and documents.
On Tuesday, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said a manhunt had since been launched to find the perpetrators.
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