South Africa’s Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, her brother and two bodyguards were robbed at gunpoint early Monday morning on the N3.
They were forced to stop after the car Chikunga was travelling in drove over a strip of spikes that were placed on the southbound side of the highway between Vosloorus and Heidelberg.
Police confirmed the incident, saying that the minister’s security detail had stopped to change a punctured tyre.
A case of armed robbery has been opened and a manhunt is said to be underway for the robbers.
Speaking virtually at the Transport Portfolio Committee meeting in Parliament on Tuesday, Chikunga said the incident had left her “devastated and traumatised.
“The bodyguards had to change the tyre. Just as they were putting bags and the damaged tyre into the car the robbery happened.”
Two police-issue pistols and cellphones were taken.
According to TimesLive, transport department spokesperson Collen Msibi said: “We are relieved to report that 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.”