Three appear in military court over Gupta landing

Three people have appeared in court charged with the controversial landing of a charter flight for the Gupta family, the SANDF said on Sunday.

"They appeared in a military court," said Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga.

"Their charges differ. They vary from misuse of state property and making false statements under oath," he said.

They appeared in court on Friday.

In an accompanying statement, Mabanga said the SA National Defence Force conducted its internal investigation in a form of a Board of Inquiry (BOI) regarding the landing of a charted commercial aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof on April 30 this year transporting guests of the Gupta family.

They had arrived for a family wedding at the Sun City resort, sparking widespread concern over the use of the military facility for a private function.

Mabanga said: "The BOI recommended that those who are allegedly to have had a role in the landing of a charted commercial aircraft at AFB Waterkloof on 30 April 2013 should be charged."

"Consequently three members have been charged and they appeared before the Military Court on 30 August 2013. The case was then postponed to 13 September 2013 for further appearance. Two more members will still be charged and appear in court."

Mabanga said he could not release their names at present or say if they were male or female.

The Public Protector is also conducting a probe into the matter.