Gunmen target Mandela family

NELSON Mandela’s grandchildren were held up by gunmen following the South African leader’s 92nd birthday party, it emerged yesterday.

No one was hurt and the attackers fled after an exchange of gunfire on Sunday.

Police said Mandela’s grandchildren were returning to their Johannesburg home following the family birthday party.

Two gunmen approached the car as it entered the gates of the home of Mandela’s daughter Zindzi, and ordered the occupants to lie down in the entrance. One fired a shot and the family driver returned fire.

Police collected expended cartridge cases from the scene by security agents after the incident and a getaway car used by the attackers was later found outside Johannesburg.

Last month, Mandela’s great-granddaughter Zenani, 13, died in a car crash on the way home from the World Cup opening concert.

The driver of that car is due to appear in court on Monday to face homicide and drunk driving charges.