The Transport Department Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga and her bodyguards survived an armed robbery on Monday night on the N3 between Heidelberg and Vosloorus. It is reported that the minister who was travelling with her brother and her bodyguards was robbed when they were trying to change a tyre after a puncture.

Speaking during the Transport Portfolio Committee in Parliament today, Chikunga said they had a puncture and that the wheel was severely damaged. "I was inside the car because the bodyguards had to change the tyre and I heard commotion outside. At the time, the bodyguards were putting bags and the damaged tyre in the car, when the robbery happened. I tried making a call and one of the robbers opened the car door and pointed a gun at my head," she said. The minister added that she was ordered out of the car and made to sit outside before the robbers demanded money. "They took R200 from me and my bag, my brother's belongings and they attempted to steal my ring but I told them that was the only thing I valued between me and my husband," she said. She further said that she was grateful that their lives were spared. The robbers whom the minister says are in their 20s or 30s and spoke fluent Zulu disarmed her bodyguards. "God have mercy on us," she told the committee.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the personal belongings of the minister and two SAPS pistols from the bodyguards were stolen during the robbery. Mathe also said that the bodyguards who are members of the SAPS are receiving support and counselling. "A manhunt has since been launched following this unprecedented incident, to bring to book those responsible for the attack. The minister has, in the meantime, been provided with alternative resources," Mathe said.