South African authority receives cooperation in Gupta probe: official

South African Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said on Sunday that she is receiving full cooperation from all parties in her investigation into the alleged "state capture" by the Indian Gupta family.

This was contained in a letter Madonsela wrote to the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) after it had requested a progress report.

Madonsela is investigating if the wealthy Gupta family influenced President Jacob Zuma in the appointment of cabinet ministers and deputy ministers.

Deputy Minister of Finance Mcebisi Jonas and former African National Congress (ANC) legislator, Vytjie Mentor, alleged that they were offered cabinet posts by the Gupta family on condition that they give them business deals in the future. The Guptas have rejected the allegations.

Madonsela said, "I can confirm that the investigation is proceeding and that I am receiving full cooperation from most parties involved. I have been provided various voluminous information and documentation for review."

Madonsela said that because of the nature of the investigation, she could not provide any progress report into the findings since she is still in the process of conducting the investigation.

"I have consulted numerous witnesses and interested parties and I am continuing to interview several people," she said.

In July this year, the Public Protector received funding of 1.5 million rand (about 107,143 U.S. dollars) from the National Treasury to assist her in this investigation into alleged improper and unethical conduct by Zuma and officials of state organs due to their inappropriate relationship with the Gupta family. She had requested 3 million rand (214,286 dollars).

Madonsela started the investigation when a group of Catholic priests and brothers, the Dominican Order of Southern Africa, asked her to do so.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane on Sunday welcomed the public pronouncement by Madonsela.

Maimane said he requested Mandosela to also investigate if the president put himself in any situation involving the risk of a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private interests.

Maimane said the DA wants a probe into allegations that Zuma used his position or any information entrusted to him, to enrich himself or improperly benefit any other person.

"The Democratic Alliance remains committed to ensuring that corruption in all its manifestations is investigated and that those found to be robbing the people of opportunities are held accountable," Maimane said.

The Gupta family, which came to the country in the early 90s, are involved in the mining, media, information technology and other sectors. They have stated that they are innocent and all their business deals are clean and were conducted in a proper way. Endit