Victim: Nelson Mandela's daughter Zindzi Mandela (left) and her children were attacked just hours after this photo was taken at his 92nd birthday party
Nelson Mandela's daughter and grandchildren were held up by gunmen after returning from the former South African president’s 92nd birthday party, it emerged today.
Mr Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi Mandela, and her children were attacked by two men as they arrived by car in the driveway of their home in Johannesburg.
They were ordered to lie down, but then the men decided to leave.
Best wishes: Mr Mandela cuts his cake while family members look on
Frail: Mr Mandela was confined to his chair as candles were lit on his cake
However, they returned and searched the group, but then one of the men suddenly fired a shot. The victims' driver returned fire and the men, both said to be black, fled.
No one was hurt in the exchange on Sunday.
It is unknown whether the attackers hesitated because they recognised Miss Mandela, 49.
The family is still coming to terms with the death of Zindzi's grandchild Zenani, who died in a car crash ahead of the World Cup, hosted in South Africa in June.
Mourning for her death led Nelson Mandela to cancel his appearance at the opening ceremony.
Police said Mr Mandela's grandchildren were returning to their Johannesburg home from Mr Mandela’s estate across the city at 6.30pm on Sunday when the attack took place.
Gauteng police spokesman Brigadier Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said: ‘The driver was taking the children (home) and as they were getting into the gates
‘As they entered the yard and were getting out of the car, suddenly two armed black males approached them. They ordered them to lie down,’ he said.
‘One suspect fired a shot and the driver returned fire. They then fled the scene,’ he said.
A car with bullet holes in it and fitting the description of the one used by the attackers was later recovered.
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