Ramaphosa flying above the law at Gallo Manor Police Station?
GALLO MANOR — Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's private helicopter lands at Gallo Manor, allegedly without following protocol and regulations.
Over the past six months, there has been an increase in helicopter activity at Gallo Manor Police Station which has left residents puzzled and asking who is in the helicopter causing so much chaos.
Woodmead resident Margaret Pallister said, “I was driving down Bowling Avenue and was stopped by police. I looked around and noticed a large number of police vehicles – some on motorbikes, some were Metro police, and others were in big black SUVs. They were stopping cars to let out an entourage of people coming out of Gallo Manor Police Station.”
Pallister initially speculated that it was the entourage from the helicopter that lands at least once a week. “The community has not been informed about this activity and, with all this Gupta drama in government, one does question who it might be.”
Sandton Chronicle investigated the matter. It was confirmed that the person in the helicopter was Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. Spokesperson for Ramaphosa, Ronnie Mamoepa said, “I can confirm it is Ramaphosa that is using the Gallo Manor helipad. Ramaphosa has been a pillar of the community for many years and didn’t think it would be a problem.”
Spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Kabelo Ledwaba said, “As a result of this query, the SACAA is undertaking an investigation to ascertain if any of the civil aviation regulations were contravened as a result of this alleged particular incident.
“Civil aviation regulations also state no pilot in command of a helicopter shall land or take-off from a place within a built-up area unless he or she has assured him or herself that local bylaws do not prohibit such take-offs or landings without specific permission by the local authority, provided that this restriction [applies].”
Pallister responded, “It’s good to finally have answers. We don’t mind the Deputy President using the helipad, we just question if this has all been done legally.”
Mamoepa forwarded the details of Martin Rosenburg, the chairman of the Community Action Company (CAC) to the Sandton Chronicle. According to Mamoepa, he is behind the helipad access. Rosenberg said, “I didn’t think it was not legal. I will need to consult with my legal team before I can comment.”
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp said, “I have discussed this issue with Chris Santana who is the councillor for Gallo Manor Police Station. He has never been informed nor has anybody requested permission for a private helicopter [to land] in a residential area without permission.
“This is a violation of City and SACAA [rules]. The rules state any helicopter, with the exception of a police, military or ambulance helicopter, has to apply for permission to land in a residential area.
“The procedure is as follows – an application is submitted to the City. The City councillor of the area is then informed. The councillor would then hold a public meeting for the affected residents. If residents are happy, he would then send a letter of support for the application. If residents are unhappy he would then have to object.
“The applicant would also have to apply to SACAA for permission and both the SACAA letter plus the letter of support from the local councillor would then be presented for approval and consent.”
Head of corporate communication and liaison for the South African Police Service, Major General Sally de Beer said, “There is no police station at Gallo Manor, we have established that the Gallo Manor Police Station actually belongs to a private company. The SAPS does not have a helipad on the premises.” The private company is CAC.
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Sandton Chronicle contacted Rosenburg to add further comment on numerous occasions, however, he had not responded by the time of publication.
SACAA spokesperson Ledwaba concluded, “Civil aviation regulations prescribe penalties for specific offences and have punitive measures in place if it is ascertained that a pilot has transgressed this.”
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