Three South African ministers freed after standoff with veterans

More than 50 people are arrested after veterans hold ministers hostage demanding compensation for anti-apartheid fight.

South African special forces have freed three government ministers held hostage by veterans demanding compensation for their role in the fight against apartheid, according to officials.

The incident occurred in a hotel in the capital, Pretoria, on Thursday night during a meeting with veterans and top government officials, including Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele, Defence Minister Thandi Modise and her deputy Thabang Makwetla.

“As we were leaving the meeting, proceeding to the doors, they closed the doors. It was at that point that we realised that we were held hostage,” Gungubele said in a video statement.