Cape Town – Public Protector Thuli Madonsela’s decision to probe a complaint against the government task team, which probed the irregular landing of a private jet by the politically connected Gupta family, was welcomed on Wednesday.

“We welcome the fact that the public protector will effectively be investigating the investigation into ‘Guptagate’,” DA MP David Maynier said.

“However, it is obviously very disappointing that the public protector will not be investigating the role of President [Jacob] Zuma and his Cabinet in ‘Guptagate’.”

The complaint was lodged by Waterkloof Air Force Base official Lieutenant Colonel Christine Anderson, who was implicated by the team in its report.

SA National Defence Union (SANDU) secretary Pikkie Greeff said in May the findings against Anderson, the base officer commanding movement control, were not objectively reached.

Anderson was accused of giving the go-ahead for the landing without following proper protocols, and of dereliction of duty.

Maynier said he had received a letter from Madonsela stating that there was not sufficient evidence to probe Zuma.

Madonsela and her spokesperson could not be reached to confirm this.

SAPA