STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF POLICE, NATHI MTHETHWA ON THE SAPS TRANSPORTATION OF SOME OF THE GUPTA GUESTS

PRETORIA - 02 May 2013. I have noted the recent developments around the Gupta-Waterkloof Air Force Base matter wherein police VIP protection resources were utilised in transporting some of the guests from the Waterkloof to Sun City.

I have been briefed by the National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega and the information provided to me is that the South African Police Service (SAPS) was informed that from the 30 April 2013 to 02 May 2013, Sun City Hotel Resort will host an event, to be attended by both local and international dignitaries, local and foreign Ministers and other invited guests. According to the information provided, guests were to fly into the country using both commercial and chartered flights as well as travel by road from Gauteng to Sun City.

According to the briefing given to me the event, given the attendance of various high level dignitaries from government, fell within the provisions of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act which therefore requires that the Event Organiser apply or provide SAPS with relevant information as well as comply with certain requirements relating to the Safety and Security of the people and properties. 

Preliminary reports indicate the following:

1. Possible transgressions and violations by SAPS officials in the deployment of SAPS resources, inter alia, vehicles to the event.

2. Possible abuse of SAPS blue lights, with unconfirmed reports indicating that some of the vehicles used in transporting guests, were not SAPS vehicles but private vehicles which were fitted with police blue lights.

3. Possible moonlighting as police officers by certain private security individuals who were hired to provide security at the event.

In light of these above-mentioned allegations, I have now instructed the General Phiyega to launch an investigation to determine if any SAPS prescripts were violated. I have further instructed that in the event that such transgressions occurred, that the law must take its course on any person found to be responsible. The investigation is underway and I am expecting a preliminary report by the end of today.

Statement issued by Zweli Mnisi, Spokesperson to the Minister of Police, May 2 2013

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