S. African opposition urges probe into Guptas-linked firm's dealing

South Africa's main opposition Democratic Alliance has urged parliament to launch an investigation into what it called the Gupta family's "illicit dealings with the state".

It is imperative to uncover the full extent of the Gupta family's influence over state-owned companies, said DA MP Natasha Mazzone.

She was referring to media reports that a Gupta-linked company, VR Laser, was trying to strike a deal with South Africa's weaponry manufacturer, Denel.

In its report on Tuesday, the Business Day newspaper claimed Denel didn't have permission from the finance minister for its proposed joint venture with VR Laser.

However Denel has said the dealing is proceeding and that "all applicable legal processes have been followed".

The request for a probe has been rejected by Letsatsi Duba, chairperson of parliament's portfolio committee on public enterprises.

Mazzone said the refusal was "inconsistent with National Assembly Rule" which empowers the committee to conduct its own investigations.

The Indian-South African Gupta family have been accused of allegedly unduly influencing the government after some sitting and former officials claimed the family offered them ministerial posts.

President Jacob Zuma has also been under fire due to his close ties with the family.

Both the Guptas and Zuma have denied the allegations, but under intense pressure, Zuma's son Duduzane Zuma last week resigned from a company owned by the family. Endit