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S. Africa police to investigate alleged state capture by Gupta family

Xinhua, March 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), known as the Hawks, confirmed on Thursday that it has received a request from the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) to investigate the Indian Gupta family for allegedly meddling in South African state affairs.

The Hawks are mandated by law to investigate anyone without fear, favour or prejudice, Major Robert Netshiunda said.

"We therefore appeal to the members of the public and the media alike to give us space to conduct our investigations without undue interference, and we also urge those who are allegedly involved in the matter to cooperate with our investigators so that the investigations can be expedited," Netshiunda said.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on Monday that its charge of corruption against two Gupta family members -- Atul Gupta, Ajay Gupta -- and President Jacob Zuma's son Duduzane Zuma has been referred to the Hawks for investigation.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane laid criminal charges against the Gupta family last week in Cape Town.

The charges followed Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas's claims that the Gupta family had offered him the position of Finance Minister before Nhlanhla Nene was removed.

Over the last two weeks, a number of reports have surfaced in the media alleging inappropriate and undue influence by the Gupta family over the appointment of cabinet ministers.

This is not the first time that the Guptas, who reportedly have close ties with Zuma, his family and other African National Congress leaders, have allegedly tried to influence cabinet appointments. Endit