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Journalism of Courage
South Africas Justice Minister on Sunday accused an Indian High Commission official and some South Africans of colluding to obtain permission for a plane chartered by a rich family close to President Jacob Zuma to use an air force base to land.
The affair dubbed Guptagate after the influential Indian-born Gupta family has transfixed South Africa since the private flight landed at Pretorias Waterkloof Air Force base last month with nearly 200 guests for a lavish family wedding. It has also shone an uncomfortable spotlight on Zumas relationship with Gupta brothers Atul,Ajay and Rajesh.
Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said the Gupta family had resorted to using diplomatic channels after their initial requests for a special reception at Johannesburgs main airport had been repeatedly denied.
An individual in the High Commission communicated directly with individuals at the air force command post. The collusion of officials resulted in the irregular approval of the flight clearance, Radebe said.
No minister was involved in the aircrafts landing. The President is not involved in authorising the landing, he said
One of the findings was that the landing of the aircraft was a direct result of manipulation of processes and that names had been dropped in the course of events. Whose name was dropped? The Defence Minister,Transport Minister and the Presidents names were dropped, Radebe said.
Neither official was available for comment. Details of the report will be released next week.
WITH PTI
