Deputy President Motlanthe plane landed safely in New Zealand, there was no emergency as reported in the media, September 12 2011

Following media reports that a plane carrying the Deputy President of South Africa, the Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe made an emergency landing in Wellington, New Zealand the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans would like to state the following:

1. That the Deputy President plane did not make any emergency landing in New Zealand but landed safely at Wellington airport.

2. On the plane's first scheduled approach to the airport, the pilots noted a warning light suggesting that there might be something wrong in the plane brakes or tyre.

3. As a precautionary measure they decided to miss their first landing slot in order to cycle the airport whilst verifying the cause of the warning light. As a standard procedure the airport put on standby emergency services.

4. The warning light was due to a faulty sensor indicating overheated breaks. The faulty warning light was cleared and the plane landed safely on its second slot without any problems.

We would like to reassure all South Africans that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) provides the safest air transport to the political principals and our pilots are among the best in the world.

The safety of all those we transport is our highest priority at all times.

Statement issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya, The Presidency, September 12 2011

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter