Mandela family held up in driveway

Zindzi Mandela and a number of family members were attacked in their driveway in Johannesburg on Sunday night, Gauteng police spokesman Brigadier Govindsamy Mariemuthoo confirmed today

The crime occurred as they were returning home on the day Zindzi's father, former president Nelson Mandela, celebrated his 92nd birthday.

"The driver was taking the children (home) and as they were getting into the gates, and getting out of the car, they were approached by two unknown men," said Mariemuthoo.

They were ordered to lie down, but then the men decided to leave.

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 left.

"Nothing was taken and no one was injured," said Mariemuthoo.

Eyewitness News, who said they had been attempting to confirm the shooting with police since Monday before they could finally run with it on Thursday, also reported that a vehicle linked to the attack was recovered in Honeydew.

However, Mariemuthoo said further details could not be confirmed as the investigation was still under way.

The family is still coming to terms with the death of Zindzi's grandchild Zenani, who died in a car crash on her way home from the Soccer World Cup opening ceremony in June.

Comment from the family on how they were coping after the hold up was not immediately available.

Psychologists usually recommend a session of counselling after such an incident to help victims overcome their sense of vulnerability and shock, especially when they experience crime at their homes.