The chief of state protocol has been suspended during a probe into how a Gupta chartered jet was allowed to land at Waterkloof Air Force Base.
"Preliminary investigations have revealed the need to probe the circumstances under which the clearances for the aircraft to land were secured," said international relations and co-operation department spokesperson Clayson Monyela on Thursday.
International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane placed the ambassador on compulsory leave with immediate effect, he said in a statement. Chief of State Protocol Bruce Koloane's deputy would assume responsibility in the interim.
This would allow the department to get to the bottom of the matter.
A Gupta family spokesperson said on Tuesday that the authorities had given permission for the jet, carrying guests at a family wedding, to land at the air force base.
"The Waterkloof [air base] was used as Lanseria airport could not accommodate the size of the jet chartered by the family," said family spokesperson Haranath Ghosh. "The permissions were applied for and granted to the Indian High Commission and not the family," he said.
02/05/13 Mail & Guardian
