Ministers have to say about preferential treatment of Gupta's friends

The Minister of Defence, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, must provide answers as to why the Waterkloof Air Force Base was made available for the Gupta-family and whether they will be paying for the use of the airport and what costs it amounts to," Mr. Pieter Groenewald, the Freedom Front Plus' chief spokesperson on Defence says.

According to Mr. Groenewald, the excuse that the Lanseria airport was not suitable for the Guptas' aircraft is unacceptable as the Mafikeng airport is closer to Sun City and is definitely suitable for large aircraft.

"It appears that the air force are bending over backwards to accommodate the Guptas who are well known for their financing of the ANC.

"When the air force and the police are abused for personal enrichment, then it promotes corruption and the abuse of tax payer's money.

"The minister of Police, Mr. Nathi Mthethwa, must also explain why the police was used to escort the Guptas' friends and whether the costs will be paid from the state coffers.

It is totally unacceptable that the ordinary public is disrupted during peak-hours and that the taxpayers' money is used to make it as comfortable as possible for the Guptas' guests to attend a wedding," Mr. Groenewald said.

He said that the FF Plus will be asking questions in Parliament about this issue.

Statement issued by Mr. Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus chief spokesperson: Defence, April 30 2013

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