The Sunday Times is reporting that the defence minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, used an air force jet to illegally smuggle a Burundi national into South Africa from the DRC.The newspaper reports that after it confronted her, "Mapisa-Nqakula conceded that she flew from Waterkloof Air Force Base to the Democratic Republic of Congo to fetch Michelle Wege, 20, on January 28, 2014."The minister told the newspaper that she believed she was rescuing the woman, Michelle Wege, from an abusive family.From the report:Mapisa-Nqakula touched down in the DRC with a high-powered delegation of more than five officials from her office, including an air force lieutenant-general to negotiate Wege's release into her care.After securing Wege's release they continued to Addis Ababa with her for a conference, before returning to South Africa.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.