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
-
I was heartbroken – Barima Sidney on why he took a long break from music
35 mins -
Cecilia Dapaah saga: Domelevo, Kpebu and others drag EOCO to Parliament
44 mins -
Bashir Hayford: The Hope of Lions
45 mins -
Limited Voter Registration: Campaign to register over 2 million Free SHS graduates
53 mins -
MIIF CEO appointed to board of Atlantic Lithium
56 mins -
Engage cement manufacturers to understand reasons for price hike – AGI CEO to Trades Minister
1 hour -
NHIA CEO announces free medical screening for Ghanaians on their birthdays
1 hour -
Daniel Obeng Fianko appointed as Events Coordinator for BIDEC
1 hour -
Cedi depreciation shot up cement prices – COCMAG
1 hour -
Susuma Pan-African Dance Ensemble to represent Ghana at Ohio Black Expo in USA
1 hour -
Richard Ahiagbah doubts Mahama’s AI plan to tackle galamsey; describes it as a vote-seeking gimmick
2 hours -
Government’s revenue-mobilisation approach worsens inequality – Prof Bokpin
2 hours -
Premier League: The nine reasons why Wolves want VAR scrapped
2 hours -
Cedi could hit GHȼ20 against the dollar -Amoabeng
2 hours -
I will change the president if given the chance- Kofi Amoabeng
2 hours