Five senior South Africa officials have been suspended for a scandal regarding the landing of a commercial aircraft on a military base.
According to the Daily Times, an aircraft carrying 200 guests who were on their way to a four-day wedding held in India by the wealthy Gupta family were received by police officials and authorities who escorted them to the Sun City resort where the wedding took place. No executive authority was given prior to the landing, but certain officials are believed to be involved.
Foreign ministry chief of protocol Bruce Koloane is currently being questioned on how the Airbus A330 managed to land at the Waterkloof air force base on Tuesday instead of at a commercial airport. He is currently one of the officials suspended along.
Justice minister Jeff Radebe said in a statement, “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.
“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,” according to Financial Times.
The incident is currently under investigation.