Pretoria - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that Chief of State Protocol Bruce Koloane was suspended on Thursday amid a probe into how a chartered jet was allowed to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base.
The aircraft was carrying guests who attended a family wedding of the powerful Gupta family, owners of the New Age Newspaper.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed the need to probe the circumstances under which the clearances for the aircraft to land were secured. The department takes this matter in a very serious light,” DIRCO said in a statement.
It said Minister Maite-Nkoana Mashabane had taken a decision to place Koloane on compulsory leave with immediate effect to allow the department to get to the bottom of this matter and he has been duly informed. The internal investigation is to start with immediate effect with other state organs.
“We also want to categorically state that no executive authority was granted either by DIRCO or the Presidency for this civilian aircraft to land at Waterkloof airbase. However it became clear that flight clearances were secured with the involvement of some officials hence this decision.”
The deputy Chief of State Protocol will assume the responsibility of the Chief of State Protocol in the interim whilst the investigation is on-going, said Monyela. – SAnews.gov.za
