About 60 people have been arrested after disgruntled military veterans held Defence Minister Thandi Modise, her deputy and Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele hostage.

They refused to let them leave a meeting at the St George’s Conference Centre in Pretoria.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo says they attempted to negotiate with the hostage takers but this failed. Members of the Special Task Force then carried out a rescue operation by penetrating the room the senior government officials were held in.

At least three suspects were taken for medical treatment after complaining about pain.

The group believed to be linked to the Liberation Struggle War Veterans (LSWV) have been demanding an audience with President Cyril Ramaphosa and his deputy, David Mabuza.

The military veterans want a gratuity payment of just over R4 million each for their service in the struggle. They say they are struggling to survive.

Last night’s hostage incident came a day after the ANC’s headquarters were evacuated. Military veterans had occupied Luthuli House in order to raise their concerns with senior ANC leaders.

[Picture: GCIS]