Pretoria – Government has confirmed that there was no executive authority granted for the landing of an A330 Airbus aircraft belonging to Jet Airways at Waterkloof Air Force Base earlier this week.
This was announced by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, at a special media briefing in Pretoria on Friday to address the unauthorised landing of an Indian delegation in a private plane at the Waterkloof Air Force Base. The at least two hundred passengers on the aircraft had arrived in the country to attend the Gupta family wedding in Sun City.
“Government has no record of a note verbale from the Indian High Commission notifying [the Department of International Relations] of a visiting delegation requiring diplomatic assistance and aircraft clearance and landing rights.
“The defence attaché of the Indian High Commission sent a request for aircraft clearance directly to the Air Force Command Unit within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on the 4th of April 2013. The Air Force consulted with the Office of State Protocol at DIRCO and facilitated the clearance of the aircraft without informing the Chief of the SANDF,” explained Radebe.
He said the officials from DIRCO, SANDF and SAPS, who were involved in coordinating the landing of the plane, have been put on compulsory/special leave.
The officials include the Chief of State Protocol at DIRCO, Ambassador B. Koloane, Officer Commanding Air Force Command post: Brig Gen L Lombard, Officer Commanding Air Force Base: Brig Gen TS Madumane Movement Control Officer: Lt Col C Anderson from the SANDF and Major General Gela, SAPS Operational Response Services Gauteng Province.
He said the officials were placed on special leave following an investigation by government into what he described as "a security breach."
“Government is gravely concerned at this violation of the security protocol and total disregard of established practice for clearing the landing of aircraft in a military facility that is of strategic importance to the country.
“Our particular concern is that the aircraft was carrying international passengers who do not fit the category of government officials or VIPs on official duty,” he said.
The minister said government had appointed a team of Directors-General to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the team was expected to report back within seven working days, the minister said he was presenting the preliminary findings from several government departments.
Radebe confirmed that the Department of Home Affairs' immigration officers processed all passengers who landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base and in full compliance with immigration laws. “Upon departure we shall ensure the passengers comply with customs and immigration requirements,” he said.
“South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officials went to process these visitors at Sun City yesterday and provided the required customs declaration forms. This is to ensure compliance with custom regulations.
“The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will impose a penalty on the operator of the A330 for violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations. The Airbus A330 belonging to Jet Airways, which was carrying passengers from India to South Africa and is now repositioned at OR Tambo, has been found to be without a Foreign Operator Permit (FOP),” he said.
The minister explained that the aircraft has been removed from the Waterkloof Air Force Base as ordered by the government.
“The implications of the decision by the government are that the aircraft is now in the civilian airspace and will be subjected to the provisions of the civil aviation Authority legislation and International Air Services Act,” he said.
Radebe said the JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Ministers had directed that plans be put in place to ensure that all exit procedures are adhered to. To this end, a team has been established to coordinate the management of the departure of these guests through O R Tambo International Airport.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Thursday instructed National Commissioner of Police, Riah Phiyega, to investigate whether any transgressions occurred through providing unauthorised support to these visitors from Waterkloof to Sun City.
He said the Police Minister had provided the following preliminary findings:
- The Indian delegation convoy, which comprised black BMWs fitted with emergency lights, were not SAPS vehicles.
- These vehicles were identified as hired from S&M Transportation in Pretoria. A criminal case has been registered against the owner for illegally using the emergency lights and fitting false registration plates. The investigation is continuing.
- It has also been established that some members of the contracted security company are members of both the SAPS and Tshwane Metro Police.
- Two Metro Police officers and one police reservist were arrested yesterday.
- The involvement of marked SAPS vehicles is still under investigation.
“The government would like to assure the South African public that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that we get to the bottom of this matter, and hold all those responsible for bringing our country into disrepute whoever they are and whatever position they hold. We want to assure the South African public that we will do all in our power to strengthen security protocols and to ensure adherence to them,” said Radebe. – SAnews.gov.za
