S. African court orders release of "state capture" report

The High Court in Pretoria ruled on Wednesday that a report on the alleged "state capture" by the Indian Gupta family be released to the public.

The report compiled by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela must be published by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, the court ordered.

The report relates to allegations that the wealthy Gupta family, which keeps close relations with President Jacob Zuma and his family, meddled in politics by influencing the appointment of cabinet ministers and directors of state-owned enterprises.

Zuma launched a court bid to interdict the release of the report. But earlier on Wednesday his legal team, in a dramatic about-turn, announced the withdrawal of the bid without giving any reason.

The court also ordered Zuma to pay the legal costs as demanded by opposition parties, which said the president had wasted state funds by bringing this matter to court.

The Guptas, along with Zuma, have come under fire after Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former Member of Parliament Vytjie Mentor said earlier this year that they were offered cabinet positions by the Guptas.

Madonsela had been expected to release the report on October 14, her last day in office, but it was put under lock and key in Parliament after Zuma indicated his intention to apply for the interdict.

Madonsela's successor Busisiwe Mkhwebane has said she would not release the report until the court delivered its ruling on Zuma's interdict case. Endit