Gupta wedding row: South Africa suspends officials

The wedding is taking place over four days in the famous resort of Sun City

Five high-ranking officials in South Africa have been suspended as the government investigates security breaches during a society wedding.

The justice minister said three police officers had also been arrested.
A wealthy Indian family was allowed to land a private jet at a military base near the capital, Pretoria.
The Gupta family, which flew in guests reportedly including Bollywood film stars and Indian government officials, has denied any wrongdoing.

Government has no record of a note verbale from the Indian High Commission notifying... of a visiting delegation requiring diplomatic assistance”

Jeff Radebe Justice minister

The Gupta brothers - Atul, Ajay and Rajesh - are said have wielded enormous influence in South Africa since white minority rule ended in 1994. 

Their business interests cover mining, aviation, technology and the media.
On Thursday, it was also announced that the Indian embassy would be investigated to see if it abused diplomatic privileges in connection with the wedding.
The scandal has caused outrage in South Africa, and opposition MPs and trade union Cosatu have called for a full parliamentary inquiry.
'Gravely concerned' Justice Minister Jeff Radebe addressed a news conference in Pretoria on Friday morning, along with most of the cabinet and several senior security officials.
He said a high-level team had seven days in which to complete its investigation and report back to cabinet to explain how a private plane carrying 200 guests of the Gupta family from India had come to land at Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof.

The Gupta family said it was saddened by the "ongoing negative reporting" of the wedding

"Government is gravely concerned at this violation of the security protocol and total disregard of established practice for clearing the landing of aircraft in a military facility that is of strategic importance to the country," Mr Radebe said.
"Government has no record of a note verbale from the Indian high commission notifying the Department of International Relations and Co-operation of a visiting delegation requiring diplomatic assistance, and aircraft clearance and landing rights."
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