27 May 2022

The Directorate of Intelligence and Security (DIS) pilots are highly qualified, well trained and satisfy all the established safety requirements for flying the President and other VIPs, the agency says.

In a press release, the DIS expresses concern about what it says are misleading media reports that falsely allege that its pilots are unqualified and have violated certain flying safety procedures.

The release says the President’s safety continues to be a top priority for the directorate and cannot knowingly be compromised, let alone with the knowledge of its leadership, as alleged.

“These allegations are contemptuous and patently dishonest. The directorate’s pilots undergo rigorous routine training to meet all safety requirements for personnel of their level of responsibility,” says the release.

Therefore, it says, media reports alleging the contrary are, in typical fashion, calculated to place the directorate in yet another unduly manufactured controversy. ENDS