South Africa's Police Minister Bheki Cele says criminals have declared war on citizens, following a surge in crime levels in the country.
This is after the country's transport minister was robbed at gunpoint in a daring attack on Monday.
Sindisiwe Chikunga was travelling from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng when the incident happened.
"We nearly lost a minister that would have been shot and killed,” Mr Cele said.
A manhunt has since been launched for the robbers, who stole some laptops, a phone and her bodyguards' weapons.
“People say we are calling for a war, we are not calling for a war, we found the war in the way. These criminals, they are taking us on, so it’s no use of taking a step back,” Mr Cele added.
The minister said the government would address police shortages in the country, in an attempt to curb the escalating crime rates.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) wants tougher action to be taken against criminals following an increase in police killings in the country.
At least 67 police officers have been killed in criminal attacks since January, Popcru says.
Latest Stories
-
Theatrics, dramas should be sparingly invoked – Speaker Bagbin
28 minutes -
Only 14% of experts in Ghanaian media are women – Report
30 minutes -
Confusion rocks Forestry Commission over new CEO’s alleged refusal to revoke ‘illegal promotions’
40 minutes -
‘I was asleep when Bawumia called to congratulate me on election 2024 victory’ – Mahama
40 minutes -
Pray for Ghana’s progress – Mahama appeals to Kumasi clergy
43 minutes -
Inferno destroys NEDCo warehouse in Tamale
46 minutes -
Crime and immorality would be worse without the Church – Mahama
49 minutes -
Ghana’s external debt restructuring to conclude early 2025; to lead to rating upgrade – Fitch
51 minutes -
Mahama announces start of Kumasi Western Bypass under ‘Big Push Programme’
55 minutes -
Mahama pledges completion of Sewua Hospital; other key projects in Ashanti Region
59 minutes -
T-bills auction: Interest rates tumble to 20%; government records 181% oversubscription
1 hour -
Photos: Stars turn on the style on Oscars red carpet
2 hours -
TESCON members are key to NPP’s comeback – George Krobea Asante
2 hours -
Anora sweeps the board at the Oscars
2 hours -
Morgan Freeman leads Oscars tribute to ‘dear friend’ Gene Hackman
2 hours