Johannesburg – Gauteng deputy police commissioner Major General Phumza Gela is back at work despite his suspension, the SA Policing Union (Sapu) said on Wednesday.

“The union is of course shocked that Gela is back at work,” spokesperson Oscar Skommere said.

He said Sapu learnt through its members that Gela had been back at work since Friday.

“We are trying to understand this because the allegations levelled against him were very serious.”

Skommere asked why Gela’s suspension was publicly announced, yet his reinstatement was not.

“We are seeking a meeting with the national [police] commissioner to try and understand this.”

Police spokesperson Phuti Setati said he was not aware of Gela being back at work, adding he would look into the matter.

“As a result I cannot comment.”

Gela was suspended along with four other high-ranking officials and military personnel over the landing of a privately chartered plane at Waterkloof Air Force Base, a national key point, in Pretoria on 29 April.

The plane, chartered by the Gupta family, was carrying 270 wedding guests.

They were attending the wedding of Vega Gupta and Indian-born Aakash Jahajgarhia at Sun City.

The landing sparked widespread criticism.

Suspensions

The other suspended officials were: the Chief of State Protocol ambassador Bruce Koloane, SA Air Force command post Brigadier General L Lombard, Air Force Base Brigadier General TS Madumane, and Movement Control Officer Lieutenant Colonel C Anderson.

In addition, the Tshwane metro police department suspended eight officers for allegedly escorting and providing unofficial security to the wedding guests.

A team of directors general investigated the landing.

A report was handed to Justice Minister Jeff Radebe on Tuesday.

– SAPA