South African minister robbed

Transport Minister of the South African government Sindisiwe Chikunga has been robbed.

The incident took place on Monday when the minister was travelling on a highway south of Johannesburg, police said.

“Personal belongings and two SAPS (South African Police Service) service pistols were stolen," said police spokeswoman Athlenda Mathe.

"A manhunt has since been launched following this unprecedented incident and to bring to book those responsible."

Local media reported that the vehicle the minister was travelling on had stopped to change a punctured tyre when the robbery occurred.

Involving a high-profile official with an armed security detail, the incident is striking even for South African standards.

The country has long had a reputation for violent crime and is often described as one of the most dangerous in the world outside a war zone.