The South African 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 recently.

This was announced by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe. At least 200 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 April 24, 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,” Radebe said.

He said the involved officials were placed on special leave following an investigation by government into what he described as “a security breach.” The officials include the Chief of State Protocol at DIRCO, Ambassador B. Koloane, Officer Commanding Air Force Command post: Brigadier General L. Lombard, Officer Commanding Air Force Base: Brigadier General T.S. Madumane Movement Control Officer: Lt. Colonel C. Anderson from the SANDF and Major General Gela, SAPS Operational Response Services Gauteng Province.