Pretoria – Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has ordered an investigation to determine if any South African Police Service rules were violated in providing VIP protection for guests attending the Gupta family wedding in Sun City.
“I have further instructed that in the event that such transgressions occurred, that the law must take its course on any person found to be responsible,” Mthethwa said in a statement issued on Thursday.
Media reported on Thursday that 20 flying squad members, 10 high-powered flying squad cars, as well as 40 members of the police counter-assault team and VIP protection unit were part of an entourage protecting the delegation.
Earlier, Minister in the Presidency Collins Chabane said he had no knowledge of dignitaries such as Indian government ministers present in the delegation.
Mthethwa said preliminary reports indicate among others, possible transgressions and violations by SAPS officials in the deployment of SAPS resources, possible abuse of SAPS blue lights, with unconfirmed reports indicating that some of the vehicles used in transporting guests, were not SAPS vehicles but private vehicles which were fitted with police blue lights and the possible moonlighting as police officers by certain private security individuals who were hired to provide security at the event.
Mthethwa said the SAPS was informed that from 30 April 2013 to 02 May, Sun City Hotel Resort will host an event, to be attended by both local and international dignitaries, local and foreign ministers and other invited guests.
“According to the information provided, guests were to fly into the country using both commercial and chartered flights as well as travel by road from Gauteng to Sun City.
“According to the briefing given to me, the event, given the attendance of various high level dignitaries from government, fell within the provisions of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act which therefore requires that the Event Organiser apply or provide SAPS with relevant information as well as comply with certain requirements relating to the Safety and Security of the people and properties.” – SAnews.gov.za
