Gupta wedding probe concluded

In a statement on Tuesday, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) acting CEO and Cabinet Spokesperson, Phumla Williams said ministers in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster would convene a meeting on Wednesday, 15 May, to study the report and give feedback to the public soon.

The date for the release of the justice cluster report has not yet been finalised.

"On Friday, 3rd May 2013 the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster ministers held a media briefing wherein a detailed update was given on issues surrounding the unauthorized landing of a private plane at the Waterkloof Air Force Base.

"At that media briefing, the Government undertook to initiate a seven working day investigation led by the [justice cluster] Directors-General. The chairperson of the cluster, Minister Jeff Radebe received the report after the expiration of the seven working day period, i.e. on Tuesday, 14th May 2013," she said.

The justice cluster launched a probe following the landing of a Jet Airways plane - chartered by the Gupta family, carrying more than 200 wedding guests from India, at Waterkloof Air Force Base.

Media reports questioned who authorised the provision of a blue light escort and security to wedding guests when they were whisked away to Sun City - where the four-day Gupta wedding took place - shortly after they landed.

After widespread criticism, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation announced that the chief of State Protocol Bruce Kotsoane was suspended, along with several high-ranking army officials.

On Friday, the City of Tshwane Metro Municipality announced at a media briefing that after an internal investigation, 11 officers - ranging from constables to a superintendent - would be suspended.

The implicated officers are alleged to have violated municipal rules by taking up private work without permission.
The officers allegedly fitted blue lights and false number plates to private vehicles that were used to escort the wedding guests. Two of those officers stand accused of contravening the Firearms Controls Act after they allegedly used service weapons while carrying out a private job.