A week after a United Arab Emirates court rejected South Africa's request to extradite the fugitive Gupta brothers, a damning report has named a well-known launderer that helped the Guptas siphon off state assets. The report published by Al-Jazeera named one Mohamed Khan, also known as Mo Dollars, as the one who allegedly pulled the strings from behind.

South Africa calls for extradition of Gupta brothers

A week after a United Arab Emirates court rejected South Africa's request to extradite the fugitive Gupta brothers, a damning report has named a well-known launderer that helped the Guptas siphon off state assets.

A week after a United Arab Emirates court rejected South Africa's request to extradite the fugitive Gupta brothers, a damning report has named a well-known launderer that helped the Guptas siphon off state assets. The report published by Al-Jazeera named one Mohamed Khan, also known as Mo Dollars, as the one who allegedly pulled the strings from behind. Khan is dubbed as the missing link in the case and the one who helped the Guptas bleed the country's exchequer dry. He is part of the gold mafia that is into smuggling and money laundering gangs operating in Southern Africa, the publication claimed. After the lid was blown over the corruption saga of the Gupta brothers, the South African government formed an investigation panel named the 'Zondo Commission' in 2018. The panel identified three companies viz., Varlozone, Zokubyte and Coral General Traders as the epicentre of the fraud and capture of state funds. Money vanished in thin air However, the investigators never managed to identify the lynchpin who operated these fraudulent companies. Notably, the report claims that Khan, through his companies, transferred the looted money abroad on behalf of the Guptas. The money used to vanish soon and the investigators were left chasing nothing but invisible air. The investigators made a connection when they found out that money funnelled through Varlozone went to Griffin Line General Trading — a Dubai-based company which was reportedly owned by the Gupta brothers. However, upon investigation, they found Varlozone was owned by Shah Bukhari who was only a frontman. “We were basically looking at the flow of money into this network from the state capture and we knew it was going through a money laundering network,” a Zondo Commission investigator was quoted as saying by the publication. The report alleged that Varlozone managed to launder as much as $1.8m of state capture money over a six-month period while Zokubyte laundered at least $600,000. Coral General Traders, the third company, acted as a temporary safe space for the funds which was parked there before being moved offshore. WATCH | Gupta Brothers nabbed in UAE | Duo wanted in $1.6mn fraud × The money was moved using a process called 'merchanting' wherein fake invoices are created to insinuate that advance payment is being made in lieu of the import of goods. The reports claims that Sasfin Bank and its employees were in on the money laundering scheme. Khan had allegedly bribed the bank employees and the money used to flow through it without any hassle. “Varlozone, Zokubyte, Coral, they all played the same role. You couldn’t utilise the same account on a daily basis. So, you would spread your funds across different accounts at different times across the week or a month," said Dawood Khan, Mohamed’s brother. When the publication approached Mohamed Khan, he denied the allegations saying he had never met the Gupta brothers and declined using any of the companies identified to launder money. The Gupta brothers The two brothers named Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested in the UAE last year and face charges of political corruption involving former South African president Jacob Zuma. However, last week, South Africa's Justice Minister Ronald Lamola informed that the Arab nation had refused to hand them over. "In the evening of the 6th of April 2023, we were provided with a note verbale from the UAE in which we learnt with shock and dismay that an extradition hearing had been concluded in the UAE courts on the 13th of February 2023 and our extradition request was unsuccessful," said Lamola. The UAE court noted it had the jurisdiction to prosecute the Guptas for money laundering offences that were carried out in the Arab country as well as South Africa. ALSO READ | UAE court dismisses South Africa's request to extradite corruption-accused Gupta brothers The Gupta brothers have been accused of building a huge business empire in myriad fields such as media, mining and computer equipment — primarily due to the help of Zuma who also helped siphon off state assets from South Africa. According to reports, Gupta's cauldron of corruption may have cost the South African exchequer as much as $3.2 billion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

South Africa-based gold mafia helped corruption-accused Gupta brothers launder money: Report

South Africa's request to extradite the fugitive Gupta brothers has been rejected by a United Arab Emirates court, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola informed on Friday.

South Africa's request to extradite the fugitive Gupta brothers has been rejected by a United Arab Emirates court, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola informed on Friday. The two brothers named Atul and Rajesh Gupta were arrested in the UAE last year and face charges of political corruption involving former South African president Jacob Zuma. Lamola in a statement noted that the South African government received diplomatic communication from the UAE side on Thursday, a little less than a month after extradition hearings had already concluded. "In the evening of the 6th of April 2023, we were provided with a note verbale from the UAE in which we learnt with shock and dismay that an extradition hearing had been concluded in the UAE courts on the 13th of February 2023 and our extradition request was unsuccessful," The UAE court noted it had the jurisdiction to prosecute the Guptas for money laundering offences that were carried out in the Arab country as well as South Africa. WATCH | Gupta Brothers nabbed in UAE | Duo wanted in $1.6mn fraud × "The reasons provided for denying our request are inexplicable and fly in the face of the assurances given by Emirati authorities that our requests meet their requirements," said Lamola He added that South Africa will 'promptly appeal' the decision and seek extradition as soon as possible. "That is the life we have been living with the authorities in the UAE. We still intend to engage our counterparts... to ensure that the decision of the court is promptly appealed." ALSO READ | How Gupta brothers from India landed South Africa's ruling party in its biggest crisis Zumas + Guptas = Zuptas The Gupta brothers have been accused of building a huge business empire in myriad fields such as media, mining and computer equipment - primarily due to the help of Zuma who also helped siphon off state assets from South Africa. In 1993, Atul founded Sahara Computers, the family's first business in South Africa. Based on JSE-listed holdings, Atul Gupta became the seventh-wealthiest person in South Africa in 2016, with an estimated net worth of R10.7 billion (US$773.47 million). However, over the years, the Zumas and the Guptas forged such close relations that a joint term was coined for them - the "Zuptas". Throughout Zuma's nine-year tenure, the Guptas plundered South Africa - the continent's most advanced economy. According to reports, Gupta's cauldron of corruption may have cost the South African exchequer as much as $3.2 billion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UAE court dismisses South Africa's request to extradite corruption-accused Gupta brothers

South Africa has formally asked the UAE to extradite Rajesh and Atul Gupta, popularly known as the Gupta brothers. The duo faces corruption charges relating to former president Jacob Zuma's time in power.

Gupta brothers' extradition: South Africa government submits official request to UAE

South African authorities on Monday confirmed that a formal extradition application was submitted to the Central Authority in the United Arab Emirates for extradition of Gupta brothers. 
 
"This is within the 60-day period from date of arrest of the Gupta brothers, as set out in the Extradition Treaty between South Africa and the UAE. The application, submitted in both English and Arabic, addresses the general requirements for extradition which, if met, would allow the extradition to be granted under either the existing Extradition Treaty or the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), or both," National Prosecuting Authority said.

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Atul Kumar Gupta and Rajesh Kumar Gupta were arrested in Dubai last month after an Interpol red notice was issued for the brothers who are wanted for corruption, fraud and money laundering charges. 
 
Charges against Rajesh and Atul Gupta relate to a Rs 24.9 million tender that was issued by the Free State Department of Agriculture to a company called Nulane Investments 204 between November 2011 and April 2012.

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"The submission of the formal application request for the arrest and extradition of the Gupta brothers is an important milestone in the NPA’s commitment to hold accountable perpetrators of state capture and uphold the rule of law. It reaffirms our resolve to be the lawyers of the people 
and seek collective justice for our country," NPA said. 
 
However, "this process could take several months, as the NPA we will continue with our commitment to deliver for impact. The country demands this of us, and we are ready to keep moving to bring justice," Head of the NPA Shamila Batohi said.

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South African authorities on Monday confirmed that a formal extradition application was submitted to the Central Authority in the United Arab Emirates for extradition of Gupta brothers.

South African authorities on Monday confirmed that a formal extradition application was submitted to the Central Authority in the United Arab Emirates for extradition of Gupta brothers. "This is within the 60-day period from date of arrest of the Gupta brothers, as set out in the Extradition Treaty between South Africa and the UAE. The application, submitted in both English and Arabic, addresses the general requirements for extradition which, if met, would allow the extradition to be granted under either the existing Extradition Treaty or the UN Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), or both," National Prosecuting Authority said. Also read | Ukraine looks to ship food grains this week despite attack on Odessa port Atul Kumar Gupta and Rajesh Kumar Gupta were arrested in Dubai last month after an Interpol red notice was issued for the brothers who are wanted for corruption, fraud and money laundering charges. Charges against Rajesh and Atul Gupta relate to a Rs 24.9 million tender that was issued by the Free State Department of Agriculture to a company called Nulane Investments 204 between November 2011 and April 2012. Also read | US probes China's Huawei over equipment near missile silos "The submission of the formal application request for the arrest and extradition of the Gupta brothers is an important milestone in the NPA’s commitment to hold accountable perpetrators of state capture and uphold the rule of law. It reaffirms our resolve to be the lawyers of the people and seek collective justice for our country," NPA said. However, "this process could take several months, as the NPA we will continue with our commitment to deliver for impact. The country demands this of us, and we are ready to keep moving to bring justice," Head of the NPA Shamila Batohi said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

South African authorities confirm receiving extradition request for Gupta brothers

There seems to be no end to Jacob Zuma's legal votes. A new judicial inquiry report accuses the former South African President of stopping a probe into the Gupta brothers, it says that Zuma barred South Africa's spy agencies from investigating the Guptas.

Report: Former South African President Jacob Zuma stopped probe into Gupta brothers

Dubai police have arrested the billionaire Gupta brothers who are wanted in South Africa for money laundering and fraud. How did a humble family from India's Uttar Pradesh become South Africa's most wanted? Palki Sharma brings you the story

Gravitas: Gupta brothers arrested in Dubai

The South African government announced on Monday that Rajesh and Atul Gupta of the Gupta family had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The Gupta brothers, friends of former President Jacob Zuma, are accused in South Africa of profiting financially and influencing top appointments through their ties with Zuma. They deny any misconduct on their part.

In 1993, the family relocated from India to South Africa. They are also accused of money laundering in India, where tax inspectors raided their houses in numerous locations in 2018, including their company's headquarters in Delhi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-gupta-brothers-from-india-landed-south-africas-ruling-party-in-its-biggest-crisis-397138">Also read | How Gupta brothers from India landed South Africa's ruling party in its biggest crisis</a>

The Indian-born brothers' association with Jacob Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until he was forced to resign amid a storm of corruption charges nine years later, is at the centre of many of the most serious corruption allegations levelled against them.

The Gupta family is accused of abusing its strong ties to President Jacob Zuma to wield significant political power at all levels of the South African government, including securing business contracts, influencing high-profile government appointments, and misappropriating state funds.

During Zuma's nine-year presidency, a number of witnesses testified about the Guptas' participation in plundering vast sums of money and influencing the nomination of Cabinet ministers.

Zuma and the Guptas maintain that they are innocent of any wrongdoing.

South Africa concluded an extradition deal with the UAE in 2021 after the brothers departed the country.

Interpol had issued Red Notices to the Gupta brothers, who had also been declared persona non gratia by the US and the UK.

For fugitives wanted for prosecution, Red Notices are issued to inform law enforcement agencies around the world to capture them pending extradition.

The family fled South Africa in 2018 as the net tightened on them, with the ANC eventually replacing Zuma and electing Cyril Ramaphosa as Acting President as a result of massive public protests.

It remains unclear why the third brother, Ajay, was not arrested.Their assets have already been blocked by South African courts.

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The South African government announced on Monday that Rajesh and Atul Gupta of the Gupta family had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The Gupta brothers, friends of former President Jacob Zuma, are accused in South Africa of profiting financially and influencing top appointments through their ties with Zuma.

The South African government announced on Monday that Rajesh and Atul Gupta of the Gupta family had been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The Gupta brothers, friends of former President Jacob Zuma, are accused in South Africa of profiting financially and influencing top appointments through their ties with Zuma. They deny any misconduct on their part. In 1993, the family relocated from India to South Africa. They are also accused of money laundering in India, where tax inspectors raided their houses in numerous locations in 2018, including their company's headquarters in Delhi. Also read | How Gupta brothers from India landed South Africa's ruling party in its biggest crisis The Indian-born brothers' association with Jacob Zuma, who was president of South Africa from 2009 until he was forced to resign amid a storm of corruption charges nine years later, is at the centre of many of the most serious corruption allegations levelled against them. The Gupta family is accused of abusing its strong ties to President Jacob Zuma to wield significant political power at all levels of the South African government, including securing business contracts, influencing high-profile government appointments, and misappropriating state funds. During Zuma's nine-year presidency, a number of witnesses testified about the Guptas' participation in plundering vast sums of money and influencing the nomination of Cabinet ministers. Zuma and the Guptas maintain that they are innocent of any wrongdoing. South Africa concluded an extradition deal with the UAE in 2021 after the brothers departed the country. Interpol had issued Red Notices to the Gupta brothers, who had also been declared persona non gratia by the US and the UK. For fugitives wanted for prosecution, Red Notices are issued to inform law enforcement agencies around the world to capture them pending extradition. The family fled South Africa in 2018 as the net tightened on them, with the ANC eventually replacing Zuma and electing Cyril Ramaphosa as Acting President as a result of massive public protests. It remains unclear why the third brother, Ajay, was not arrested.Their assets have already been blocked by South African courts. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch: Gupta brothers arrested in Dubai on corruption charges, confirms South Africa

Two fugitive brothers Rajesh Gupta and Atul Gupta have been arrested in the United Arab Emirates. The duo is now wanted in South Africa where they allegedly orchestrated a web of state corruption

Gupta Brothers nabbed in UAE | Duo wanted in $1.6mn fraud

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate.&nbsp;

"Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified. Interpol has issued red notices against Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali; Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti; Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd; Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd," Advocate Hermione Cronje said.&nbsp;

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The case is related to alleged procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, paid between November 2011 to Nulane Investment 204, a company owned and controlled by Iqbal Sharma. From there, the funds were allegedly diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family.

The R24 mn was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship &nbsp;Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work.&nbsp;

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Nulane Investments however had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras diary as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede.

The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering.

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate. "Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified.

Interpol has issued red notices for the Gupta family and a few others, according to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Investigative Directorate. "Efforts to bring the Guptas have intensified. Interpol has issued red notices against Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali; Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti; Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd; Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd," Advocate Hermione Cronje said. Also read | South Africa: NPA seizes Gupta Brothers' property The case is related to alleged procurement fraud involving R24.9 million, paid between November 2011 to Nulane Investment 204, a company owned and controlled by Iqbal Sharma. From there, the funds were allegedly diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family. The R24 mn was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work. Also read | Zuma: No honest person can accuse me of being an enemy of rule of law Nulane Investments however had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras diary as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede. The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering.

Interpol issues Red Corner Notice against Gupta brothers and others

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands.&nbsp;

The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia. Prosecutors have also sought help from Interpol to arrest the Guptas and extradite them to South Africa to face criminal charges, a statement from the Dorcetorate said.&nbsp;

"The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein granted the NPA's investigating Directorate a restraint order to freeze assets of Iqbal Sharma, his company Nulane Investments 204 (Pty) Ltd, and Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, which belongs to Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their wives, Chetali and Arti Gupta, respectively," it said.&nbsp;

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A High Court-appointed curator will take control of and preserve the assets, pending the outcome of criminal charges for fraud and money laundering offences instituted against Sharma, Nulane, Islandsite, the four Guptas named above and others in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 3 June 2021.&nbsp;

If the accused is convicted, the NDPP will apply for a confiscation order against Sharma and Islandsite to recoup the value of benefits derived from the offences and related criminal activities, the statement further read.&nbsp;

Those affected face criminal charges related to a contract concluded between Nulane and the Free State Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2011 for which Nulane was paid R24.9 million for a feasibility study that is subcontracted to Deloitte for R1.5 million. The study relates to potential farming projects in the Free State to be funded under ‘Mohoma Mobung’, a provincial initiative for rural upliftment and job creation.&nbsp;

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Nulane recommended an Indian company, Paras Dairy, for the Vrede dairy project, now linked to the Estina fraud investigation.&nbsp;

The fraudulent proceeds of R24.9 million paid to Nulane by the Department were transferred between Nulane and several companies, including Gupta entities Islandsite and Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd, to launder the funds ultimately directed to the Gupta family.&nbsp;Other funds that flowed between the companies as part of the money laundering transactions are presumed proceeds of unlawful activities in terms of POCA. &nbsp;

A second subcontract was concluded between Nulane and UAE-based Gateway Limited, duplicating the one with Deloitte, in order to transfer R19 million offshore. Gateway is linked to the Guptas. &nbsp;

Sharma's assets that form part of the curator's inventory include his Sandton home valued at over R12 million. The property was featured on a lifestyle television programme, Top Billing, and is owned through a UAE-registered company, Issar Global. Other assets include movable property valued at R500 thousand and a R1.3 million sectional title home in Sandton. Properties owned by Gupta family company Islandsite that form part of the inventory include a house worth R21m in Constantia, near Cape Town and a R12m house in Saxonwold.

The NPA has also sought Interpol's help to deport and arrest some members of the Gupta family to face a corruption trial.&nbsp;

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands. The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia.

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate has seized assets of the Guptas and their associate worth millions of Rands. The seized assets include luxury properties in Morningside, Saxonwold and Constantia. Prosecutors have also sought help from Interpol to arrest the Guptas and extradite them to South Africa to face criminal charges, a statement from the Dorcetorate said. "The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein granted the NPA's investigating Directorate a restraint order to freeze assets of Iqbal Sharma, his company Nulane Investments 204 (Pty) Ltd, and Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd, which belongs to Atul and Rajesh Gupta and their wives, Chetali and Arti Gupta, respectively," it said. Also read | South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest A High Court-appointed curator will take control of and preserve the assets, pending the outcome of criminal charges for fraud and money laundering offences instituted against Sharma, Nulane, Islandsite, the four Guptas named above and others in the Bloemfontein Regional Court on 3 June 2021. If the accused is convicted, the NDPP will apply for a confiscation order against Sharma and Islandsite to recoup the value of benefits derived from the offences and related criminal activities, the statement further read. Those affected face criminal charges related to a contract concluded between Nulane and the Free State Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2011 for which Nulane was paid R24.9 million for a feasibility study that is subcontracted to Deloitte for R1.5 million. The study relates to potential farming projects in the Free State to be funded under ‘Mohoma Mobung’, a provincial initiative for rural upliftment and job creation. Also read | South Africa: Jacob Zuma's corruption trial to resume on Monday Nulane recommended an Indian company, Paras Dairy, for the Vrede dairy project, now linked to the Estina fraud investigation. The fraudulent proceeds of R24.9 million paid to Nulane by the Department were transferred between Nulane and several companies, including Gupta entities Islandsite and Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd, to launder the funds ultimately directed to the Gupta family. Other funds that flowed between the companies as part of the money laundering transactions are presumed proceeds of unlawful activities in terms of POCA. A second subcontract was concluded between Nulane and UAE-based Gateway Limited, duplicating the one with Deloitte, in order to transfer R19 million offshore. Gateway is linked to the Guptas. Sharma's assets that form part of the curator's inventory include his Sandton home valued at over R12 million. The property was featured on a lifestyle television programme, Top Billing, and is owned through a UAE-registered company, Issar Global. Other assets include movable property valued at R500 thousand and a R1.3 million sectional title home in Sandton. Properties owned by Gupta family company Islandsite that form part of the inventory include a house worth R21m in Constantia, near Cape Town and a R12m house in Saxonwold. The NPA has also sought Interpol's help to deport and arrest some members of the Gupta family to face a corruption trial.

South Africa: NPA seizes Gupta Brothers' property

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with the Gupta brothers. Rajesh and Atul Gupta, their wives are accused of diverting millions of dollars from a poverty alleviation program.

South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest in graft case

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's&nbsp;arrest.&nbsp;

Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said.&nbsp;

From there, the funds were diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd (Islandsite), a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family, it added.&nbsp;

In the charge sheet handed in at court today, the state alleges that Iqbal Sharma and former Free State head of Department for Rural Development (FSDoRD), Peter Thabethe, former head of FSDoA, Limakatso Moorosi, and former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer, Seipati Dhlamini, colluded to divert funds earmarked for rural development in the Free State. These funds were then placed at the disposal of the Gupta family.&nbsp;

The R24m was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship&nbsp;Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work.&nbsp;

Nulane Investments, however, had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras Dairy as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede.

The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering. The former government officials are also charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.

The NPA's Investigating Directorate is opposing bail. The bail application for two of the accused will take place today and the bail application for two more will take place on Monday, 7 June 2021.

The fifth suspect in the matter, Iqbal Sharma’s brother-in-law and a representative of Nulane Investments, Dinesh Patel, will formally appear on June 15, 2021 for health reasons.&nbsp;

They are charged together with three companies, Nulane Investment 204 (Pty) Ltd (owned and controlled by Sharma), Wone Management (PTY) LTD, Pragat Investment (Pty) LTD, Islandsite Investments Pty Ltd. The balance of accused listed in the charge sheet is not currently in South Africa.&nbsp;

Investigating Directorate head, Adv Hermione Cronje, said the NPA is applying to Interpol to assist with the execution of arrest warrants in respect Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali, Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti, Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd, Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd.

"The modus operandi used in this case appears to have been replicated in other government departments and projects. It is, therefore, critical that the evidence gathered in this matter is presented to court and a verdict obtained expeditiously. It is for this reason that prosecutors have decided to proceed separately against the accused currently in the country and those abroad, as the process of arrest and extradition may unduly delay the trial," Cronje said.&nbsp;

To facilitate a speedy trial in this matter, the accused will be handed a final indictment together with the contents of the case docket on June 15 2021, when the matter will be postponed to the High Court for the accused to plead to the charges, the NPA said.

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's arrest. Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said.

The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa is seeking Interpol assistance with Gupta's arrest. Former Transnet Board member and business partner to Gupta associate Salim Essa, Iqbal Sharma, and three former senior Free State government officials appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court today on charges of procurement fraud involving R24million, paid by the Free State Department of Agriculture (FSDoA) to Nulane Investment 204 (PTY) LTD — a company owned and controlled by Sharma — the statement from the NPA said. From there, the funds were diverted to Islandsite Investments 180 (Pty) Ltd (Islandsite), a company owned and controlled by the Gupta family, it added. In the charge sheet handed in at court today, the state alleges that Iqbal Sharma and former Free State head of Department for Rural Development (FSDoRD), Peter Thabethe, former head of FSDoA, Limakatso Moorosi, and former FSDoA Chief Financial Officer, Seipati Dhlamini, colluded to divert funds earmarked for rural development in the Free State. These funds were then placed at the disposal of the Gupta family. The R24m was purportedly paid to Nulane to conduct a feasibility study for the Free State Province’s flagship Mohoma Mobung project, on the basis that Nulane had unique skills to perform the work. Nulane Investments, however, had no employees on its books and in fact subcontracted Deloitte Ltd to produce the report, for which Deloitte was paid R1.5 million. The only change made to the Deloitte report was to identify Paras Dairy as a suitable implementing partner for the development of a milk processing plant in Vrede. The accused face charges of fraud and money laundering. The former government officials are also charged with contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The NPA's Investigating Directorate is opposing bail. The bail application for two of the accused will take place today and the bail application for two more will take place on Monday, 7 June 2021. The fifth suspect in the matter, Iqbal Sharma’s brother-in-law and a representative of Nulane Investments, Dinesh Patel, will formally appear on June 15, 2021 for health reasons. They are charged together with three companies, Nulane Investment 204 (Pty) Ltd (owned and controlled by Sharma), Wone Management (PTY) LTD, Pragat Investment (Pty) LTD, Islandsite Investments Pty Ltd. The balance of accused listed in the charge sheet is not currently in South Africa. Investigating Directorate head, Adv Hermione Cronje, said the NPA is applying to Interpol to assist with the execution of arrest warrants in respect Atul Gupta and his wife, Chetali, Rajesh Gupta and his wife, Arti, Ankit Jain, former Nulane Investment Bank of Baroda account signatory; Ravindra Nath, director of Wone Management (Pty) Ltd, Ramesh Bhat and Jagdish Parekh, the directors of Pragat Investments (Pty) Ltd. "The modus operandi used in this case appears to have been replicated in other government departments and projects. It is, therefore, critical that the evidence gathered in this matter is presented to court and a verdict obtained expeditiously. It is for this reason that prosecutors have decided to proceed separately against the accused currently in the country and those abroad, as the process of arrest and extradition may unduly delay the trial," Cronje said. To facilitate a speedy trial in this matter, the accused will be handed a final indictment together with the contents of the case docket on June 15 2021, when the matter will be postponed to the High Court for the accused to plead to the charges, the NPA said.

South Africa seeks Interpol's assistance for Gupta's arrest

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations.&nbsp;

"As deputy president, you really work under the leadership of the president who leads the executive. Your role, as much as it would appear like it is expansive, it is a role that is constricted," Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by EWN during the hearing at the state capture commission.&nbsp;

Ramaphosa also said that the African National Congress did not probe corruption accusations against the brothers as the party did not hold the capacity to do the same.&nbsp;

However, he agreed with the commission that Parliament had the powers to investigate the allegations and the party should have agreed to it.&nbsp;

To the unversed, Rajesh Gupta (also known as Tony), and his brothers Ajay and Atul have been accused of looting state organisations of billions of rands because of their proximity to former president Zuma.&nbsp;

Former South African mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane is accused of helping the brothers acquire mines in South Africa.&nbsp;

Reports at the time suggested that the Guptas then used the mine to bid for contracts at an exaggerated cost.

 
&nbsp;

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday testified on controversial Gupta brothers mining case in which he said his role as then deputy president was "constricted" to investigate corruption allegations. "As deputy president, you really work under the leadership of the president who leads the executive. Your role, as much as it would appear like it is expansive, it is a role that is constricted," Ramaphosa was quoted as saying by EWN during the hearing at the state capture commission. Ramaphosa also said that the African National Congress did not probe corruption accusations against the brothers as the party did not hold the capacity to do the same. However, he agreed with the commission that Parliament had the powers to investigate the allegations and the party should have agreed to it. To the unversed, Rajesh Gupta (also known as Tony), and his brothers Ajay and Atul have been accused of looting state organisations of billions of rands because of their proximity to former president Zuma. Former South African mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane is accused of helping the brothers acquire mines in South Africa. Reports at the time suggested that the Guptas then used the mine to bid for contracts at an exaggerated cost.

South Africa president testifies on corruption accusations involving Gupta brothers

A historic trial is underway in South Africa and the centre of it is the infamous Gupta brothers.

Their links are with former president Jacob Zuma.&nbsp;

Three years after Zuma stepped down, the ghost of the Guptas continues to haunt his successor Cyril Ramaphosa.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-a-big-admission-from-cyril-ramaphosa-381526/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But he has decided to grab the bull by its horns.

The South African president appeared before the investigators and decided to present evidence against members of his own party.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-president-testifies-on-corruption-accusations-involving-gupta-brothers-381421">South Africa president testifies on corruption accusations involving Gupta brothers</a>

In a rare move, Ramapohsa testified before a committee named the Zondo Commission of Inquiry that is tasked with looking into corruption in South Africa.

Ramaphosa admitted what the world knew all along that leaders of his party were hand in glove with the Guptas.

It is believed that the Guptas may have drained as much as seven billion dollars from the treasury of South Africa.

This was all possible because of their clout with former president Zuma.&nbsp;

The links ran deep as members of Zuma's family worked for companies owned by Guptas.

Bongi Ngema-Zuma, one his wives, was employed in a mining company.

Zuma's son Duduzane held senior positions too.

And his daughter Duduzile was a director at Sahara Computers, an IT company owned by the Guptas.

With the Zuma family on their side, the Guptas extended their influence over the entire South African government.

They had a say in the hiring of ministers and could even get a minister fired who came in the way of their business interests.

All of this came to light in 2016 as an investigation revealed how the Guptas controlled the government and the country's rich natural resources.

Zuma and the Guptas deny all these charges, but the law seems to be catching up with them.

Ramaphosa says he's determined to make sure justice is served. The question is, will he walk the talk? 
&nbsp;

A historic trial is underway in South Africa and the centre of it is the infamous Gupta brothers. Their links are with former president Jacob Zuma. Three years after Zuma stepped down, the ghost of the Guptas continues to haunt his successor Cyril Ramaphosa.

A historic trial is underway in South Africa and the centre of it is the infamous Gupta brothers. Their links are with former president Jacob Zuma. Three years after Zuma stepped down, the ghost of the Guptas continues to haunt his successor Cyril Ramaphosa. Watch | But he has decided to grab the bull by its horns. The South African president appeared before the investigators and decided to present evidence against members of his own party. Also read | South Africa president testifies on corruption accusations involving Gupta brothers In a rare move, Ramapohsa testified before a committee named the Zondo Commission of Inquiry that is tasked with looking into corruption in South Africa. Ramaphosa admitted what the world knew all along that leaders of his party were hand in glove with the Guptas. It is believed that the Guptas may have drained as much as seven billion dollars from the treasury of South Africa. This was all possible because of their clout with former president Zuma. The links ran deep as members of Zuma's family worked for companies owned by Guptas. Bongi Ngema-Zuma, one his wives, was employed in a mining company. Zuma's son Duduzane held senior positions too. And his daughter Duduzile was a director at Sahara Computers, an IT company owned by the Guptas. With the Zuma family on their side, the Guptas extended their influence over the entire South African government. They had a say in the hiring of ministers and could even get a minister fired who came in the way of their business interests. All of this came to light in 2016 as an investigation revealed how the Guptas controlled the government and the country's rich natural resources. Zuma and the Guptas deny all these charges, but the law seems to be catching up with them. Ramaphosa says he's determined to make sure justice is served. The question is, will he walk the talk?

Will justice be served as South Africa's Ramaphosa testifies in huge corruption scandal?

It all started with a wedding. A 200 plus entourage of friends and family landed their private aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in April 2013.

What South African&rsquo;s didn&rsquo;t know was that the country had already entered a new era of corruption that was to have a myriad negative consequences. Now, after years of legal obfuscation, political manipulation of &lsquo;captured&rsquo; state institutions and prosecutorial agencies, Cyril Ramaphosa&rsquo;s victory to succeed Jacob Zuma as president of the ruling African National Congress has opened up the possibility that an age of impunity will be replaced with a new era of public accountability.

Since the Gupta&rsquo;s extravagant family wedding at Sun City a slew of revelations have come out. These range from the &ldquo;State of Capture report&rdquo; of the former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, to the damning Gupta-leaks uncovered by investigative journalists AmaBhungane. All helped South Africans come to understand the shocking extent of the systemic corruption inextricably linked to the Gupta name.

Despite all these revelations, the country&rsquo;s prosecutorial bodies have remained silent. So when the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its intention to serve summons on members of the Gupta family and their cronies on January 15 this year ordering them to preserve assets to the tune of R1.6 billion, the first question that sprung to mind was &ldquo;why now&rdquo;?

The answer lies with Ramaphosa&rsquo;s election on a &ldquo;change&rdquo; and &ldquo;reform&rdquo; ticket. His victory in December has shifted the balance of power against the Zuma faction.

A second factor is that the ANC is concerned about its electoral future, with the 2019 national election on the horizon. Zuma has cost the ANC almost 16% of its electoral majority &ndash; some 3 million votes. With opposition parties scrambling to form coalitions, and voting trends suggesting a further decline in the ANC&rsquo;s share of the vote, there is now a very real prospect of the ANC being voted out of power in 2019. An ANC majority is no longer a foregone conclusion &ndash; unthinkable until recently.

It seems denial in the ANC has been replaced by a sense of fear. The party is trying to show the voting public that it can clear up the mess that it has made.

Chickens come home to roost

The NPA&rsquo;s announcement suggests that the chickens seem finally to be on their way home to roost on the <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/swift-sale-of-gupta-family-empire-in-south-africa-raises-eyebrows-10955847">Gupta empire</a>. The NPA&rsquo;s Asset Forfeiture Unit has applied to the High Court for an order that the Gupta&rsquo;s must &ldquo;preserve&rdquo; R1.6 billion worth of assets. This power is granted under Section 38 of the <a href="https://www.gov.za/sites/www.gov.za/files/a121-98.pdf">Prevention of Organised Crime Act</a>. The provision empowers the NPA to make an ex parte application to the High Court to

<blockquote>
prohibit any person&hellip; from dealing in any manner with any property.
</blockquote>

The court must grant the order if there are reasonable grounds to believe that property is the &ldquo;instrumentality of an offence&rdquo; or &ldquo;is the proceeds of unlawful activities&rdquo;. This must be read in light of the rest of the Act which allows the state to confiscate property that is the proceeds of unlawful activities.

The rationale of the preservation order is, therefore, to prevent such a person or suspect from disposing of assets that are proceeds from unlawful activities which would render a confiscation order fruitless.

An analysis of the act makes it clear that, if a preservation order is requested, the intention of the NPA must be to arrest and charge the Guptas and their associates. A preservation order could only be made if a confiscation order is ultimately envisaged. In turn, a confiscation order can only be made after a criminal conviction.

The logical conclusion is that the NPA, assuming that they are acting in good faith, are intent on arresting and prosecuting the Guptas.

Dilemma facing Ramaphosa and the ANC

The problem for the ANC is this: if its intention is to make the Guptas the sole-scapegoats in the state-capture saga, they will be in a good deal of trouble. Of the published Gupta scandals, the evidence strongly suggests that they were not acting alone. The Guptas themselves may represent only the tip of the iceberg.

Top government officials are reported to have been involved in almost all instances.

For example, Mining Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, is heavily implicated in the Sun City wedding affair, while whistle-blowers Mcebisi Jonas and Vytjie Mentor implicate Zuma as a participant in the Guptas offering them (for undue reward) the positions of ministerial positions.

Zuma&rsquo;s son, Duduzane, is also heavily implicated in corrupt activities related to the state power utility Eskom, as well as the finance minister debacle.

The NPA will struggle to prove its case against the Guptas, at least the full extent of it, without implicating those that drove or condoned their misdemeanours. It seems clear therefore that the ANC cannot restore its reputation while letting its leaders who looted the country&rsquo;s resources drift off into the wilderness.

This presents Ramaphosa with an acute political dilemma given that he&rsquo;s pledged to rebuild unity in the ANC.

Hence, we are likely to see a very high level and multifaceted blame game. But any attempt to restore its credibility will probably prove counter productive unless the party accepts that some of its biggest fish must be prosecuted too.

And it goes without saying that private sector players such as Trillian and KPMG who were willing enablers of the abuse of state procurement processes must also be held to account. If necessary they must pay the ultimate price of corporate collapse as Bell Pottinger did.

Just the beginning

The NPA&rsquo;s announcement represents no more than a good start after years of prosecutorial negligence and incompetence &ndash; or dishonesty &ndash; and costly inaction.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/90395/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />In terms of accountability it&rsquo;s indeed time to catch up and restore the legitimacy of important institutions. But the stakes are very high &ndash; for the implicated politicians and their business cronies, for Ramaphosa and the ANC&rsquo;s electoral future, and for the credibility of South Africa as a trustworthy destination for much needed investment.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-the-net-about-to-close-on-zuma-and-his-gupta-patronage-network-90395" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

Of the published Gupta scandals, the evidence strongly suggests that they were not acting alone. The Guptas themselves may represent only the tip of the iceberg.

It all started with a wedding. A 200 plus entourage of friends and family landed their private aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in April 2013. What South African’s didn’t know was that the country had already entered a new era of corruption that was to have a myriad negative consequences. Now, after years of legal obfuscation, political manipulation of ‘captured’ state institutions and prosecutorial agencies, Cyril Ramaphosa’s victory to succeed Jacob Zuma as president of the ruling African National Congress has opened up the possibility that an age of impunity will be replaced with a new era of public accountability. Since the Gupta’s extravagant family wedding at Sun City a slew of revelations have come out. These range from the “State of Capture report” of the former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, to the damning Gupta-leaks uncovered by investigative journalists AmaBhungane. All helped South Africans come to understand the shocking extent of the systemic corruption inextricably linked to the Gupta name. Despite all these revelations, the country’s prosecutorial bodies have remained silent. So when the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its intention to serve summons on members of the Gupta family and their cronies on January 15 this year ordering them to preserve assets to the tune of R1.6 billion, the first question that sprung to mind was “why now”? The answer lies with Ramaphosa’s election on a “change” and “reform” ticket. His victory in December has shifted the balance of power against the Zuma faction. A second factor is that the ANC is concerned about its electoral future, with the 2019 national election on the horizon. Zuma has cost the ANC almost 16% of its electoral majority – some 3 million votes. With opposition parties scrambling to form coalitions, and voting trends suggesting a further decline in the ANC’s share of the vote, there is now a very real prospect of the ANC being voted out of power in 2019. An ANC majority is no longer a foregone conclusion – unthinkable until recently. It seems denial in the ANC has been replaced by a sense of fear. The party is trying to show the voting public that it can clear up the mess that it has made. Chickens come home to roost The NPA’s announcement suggests that the chickens seem finally to be on their way home to roost on the Gupta empire. The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has applied to the High Court for an order that the Gupta’s must “preserve” R1.6 billion worth of assets. This power is granted under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The provision empowers the NPA to make an ex parte application to the High Court to prohibit any person… from dealing in any manner with any property. The court must grant the order if there are reasonable grounds to believe that property is the “instrumentality of an offence” or “is the proceeds of unlawful activities”. This must be read in light of the rest of the Act which allows the state to confiscate property that is the proceeds of unlawful activities. The rationale of the preservation order is, therefore, to prevent such a person or suspect from disposing of assets that are proceeds from unlawful activities which would render a confiscation order fruitless. An analysis of the act makes it clear that, if a preservation order is requested, the intention of the NPA must be to arrest and charge the Guptas and their associates. A preservation order could only be made if a confiscation order is ultimately envisaged. In turn, a confiscation order can only be made after a criminal conviction. The logical conclusion is that the NPA, assuming that they are acting in good faith, are intent on arresting and prosecuting the Guptas. Dilemma facing Ramaphosa and the ANC The problem for the ANC is this: if its intention is to make the Guptas the sole-scapegoats in the state-capture saga, they will be in a good deal of trouble. Of the published Gupta scandals, the evidence strongly suggests that they were not acting alone. The Guptas themselves may represent only the tip of the iceberg. Top government officials are reported to have been involved in almost all instances. For example, Mining Minister Mosebenzi Zwane, is heavily implicated in the Sun City wedding affair, while whistle-blowers Mcebisi Jonas and Vytjie Mentor implicate Zuma as a participant in the Guptas offering them (for undue reward) the positions of ministerial positions. Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is also heavily implicated in corrupt activities related to the state power utility Eskom, as well as the finance minister debacle. The NPA will struggle to prove its case against the Guptas, at least the full extent of it, without implicating those that drove or condoned their misdemeanours. It seems clear therefore that the ANC cannot restore its reputation while letting its leaders who looted the country’s resources drift off into the wilderness. This presents Ramaphosa with an acute political dilemma given that he’s pledged to rebuild unity in the ANC. Hence, we are likely to see a very high level and multifaceted blame game. But any attempt to restore its credibility will probably prove counter productive unless the party accepts that some of its biggest fish must be prosecuted too. And it goes without saying that private sector players such as Trillian and KPMG who were willing enablers of the abuse of state procurement processes must also be held to account. If necessary they must pay the ultimate price of corporate collapse as Bell Pottinger did. Just the beginning The NPA’s announcement represents no more than a good start after years of prosecutorial negligence and incompetence – or dishonesty – and costly inaction. In terms of accountability it’s indeed time to catch up and restore the legitimacy of important institutions. But the stakes are very high – for the implicated politicians and their business cronies, for Ramaphosa and the ANC’s electoral future, and for the credibility of South Africa as a trustworthy destination for much needed investment. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How Gupta brothers build up an empire of corruption

The Zuma years are over. He kept fighting almost to the very end. But South Africa&rsquo;s scandal-ridden President Jacob Zuma finally accepted the inevitability of his political fate late last night when he resigned with immediate effect. By doing so he cut short his second and final term as president of Africa&rsquo;s largest economy with over a year still to run.

Even then he toyed with his audience. In a 30-minute address that began close to 10.30pm local time, Zuma appeared to be veering towards requiring the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to use its majority in parliament to remove him by way of a no confidence motion.

With an ardent defence of the constitution &ndash; ironic given the many findings of constitutional transgression made by the courts in recent years against him &ndash; Zuma argued that the most appropriate way for a president to be removed from office would be by one of the two constitutional mechanisms &ndash; a vote of no confidence pursuant to section 102 or impeachment under section 89 &ndash; rather than by his party.

But the implication that to bend to his party&rsquo;s will would represent a subjugation of the will of the people was a typical example of Zuma&rsquo;s misrepresentation or misunderstanding of South Africa&rsquo;s system of government. While the head of government is the president, the system is essentially a parliamentary one, The president is elected by parliament and not directly by the electorate.

So this was not regime change as Zuma implied. It was a palace coup, very similar to the one Zuma had overseen when Thabo Mbeki was removed from office ten years ago in September 2008.

Last throw of the dice

At the start of a dramatic week in South African politics, on Monday the ANC&rsquo;s National Executive Committee concluded a marathon 13-hour meeting by deciding that Zuma should be &ldquo;recalled&rdquo; and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa was Zuma&rsquo;s deputy in government after winning a closely-contested race to succeed him as ANC president at the party&rsquo;s five-yearly national elective conference in December.

A former trade union leader and, later a successful businessman, Ramaphosa won on a &lsquo;change&rsquo; agenda. He promised to end the culture of impunity that has been the hallmark of the Zuma years and to arrest the self-enrichment project of &ldquo;state capture&rdquo;. This has seen key state institutions, such as the SA Revenue Service and PRASA, hollowed out, causing great harm to the interests of millions of the most vulnerable citizens.

Earlier in the day Zuma had waged war against his own party when in an exclusive interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation he defied the ANC&rsquo;s leadership, claiming that he had not done anything wrong. He also claimed that the party had failed to specify the reason for its decision to recall him.

At one point in the interview Zuma appeared to be threatening instability in the organisation that he has served his whole life &ndash; a last roll of the dice for a fearless politician for whom the usual rules of political engagement never seemed to apply.

But Ramaphosa did not blink and preparations for the vote of no confidence continued. Zuma calculated that the game was up and fell, finally, on his sword.

Under the country&rsquo;s constitution, the deputy president of the country Ramaphosa takes over as interim president immediately. The National Assembly is nevertheless likely to be convened shortly to elect a new president. This will enable Ramaphosa to deliver the State of the Nation Address that was postponed last week.

Victory for the rule of law

Given the history and context of post-colonial Africa in which numerous heads of state have clung onto power for decades, yesterday&rsquo;s turn of events could be seen as a victory for South Africa&rsquo;s democracy. It has proved to be resilient in the face of the Zuma-enabled project of state capture.

The rule of law and an independent judiciary has held firm despite the pressures of an unrelenting line of politically-charged cases. Along with opposition parties, civil society organisations, such as Section 27 and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, have used the constitution to challenge Zuma.

Now Zuma, along with Gupta family and many others &ndash; including several members of the current cabinet &ndash; must face the prospect of being held to account. The process is already underway. Yesterday began with the startling news that one of the Gupta brothers had been arrested and the family&rsquo;s compound in Saxonwold, Johannesburg had been searched.

And a judicial inquiry into the involvement of the Guptas in state capture will soon commence. This will include their relationship to both cabinet ministers and the leadership of certain key state owned enterprises, such as beleaguered energy utility Eskom.

And one of Ramaphosa&rsquo;s first appointments will be a new national director of public prosecutions. The courts have already ruled that they must proceed with the prosecution of the 783 corruption charges that were unlawfully dropped against Zuma just before he first became president in April 2009.

Whether Zuma is convicted and imprisoned remains to be seen. But his early ousting from power is a salutary lesson. Those implicated in the corruption that has increasingly undermined investor confidence in South Africa in recent years will be quaking in their boots.

The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of power.

Ramaphosa&rsquo;s big challenges

Having dealt with the unavoidably messy and awkward business of removing a sitting head of state, Ramaphosa can turn to the even bigger and important challenges that face the country. These include a fiscal crunch with tough public expenditure choices to be wrestled with in next week&rsquo;s budget. These include high unemployment and inequality; and rebuilding integrity in state institutions and agencies.

With Zuma out of the way, Ramaphosa can expedite his pursuit of a socio-economic &ldquo;new deal&rdquo; unencumbered by Zuma&rsquo;s obstructive tendencies and personal interests. These have included a rumoured deal with President Vladimir Putin to purchase nuclear power plants from Russia.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/91910/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />Ramaphosa, and South Africa, now have a clear run at addressing the many urgent problems that have hindered economic growth and confidence in recent years. They have given themselves an opportunity to rebuild the lost social compact of the Mandela years. And recover from the draining swamp of Zuma&rsquo;s rule.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com" rel="nofollow" target="blank">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/zuma-finally-falls-on-his-sword-but-not-before-threatening-to-take-the-house-down-with-him-91910" rel="nofollow" target="blank">original article</a>.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Now Zuma, along with Gupta family and many others – including several members of the current cabinet – must face the prospect of being held to account.

The Zuma years are over. He kept fighting almost to the very end. But South Africa’s scandal-ridden President Jacob Zuma finally accepted the inevitability of his political fate late last night when he resigned with immediate effect. By doing so he cut short his second and final term as president of Africa’s largest economy with over a year still to run. Even then he toyed with his audience. In a 30-minute address that began close to 10.30pm local time, Zuma appeared to be veering towards requiring the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to use its majority in parliament to remove him by way of a no confidence motion. With an ardent defence of the constitution – ironic given the many findings of constitutional transgression made by the courts in recent years against him – Zuma argued that the most appropriate way for a president to be removed from office would be by one of the two constitutional mechanisms – a vote of no confidence pursuant to section 102 or impeachment under section 89 – rather than by his party. But the implication that to bend to his party’s will would represent a subjugation of the will of the people was a typical example of Zuma’s misrepresentation or misunderstanding of South Africa’s system of government. While the head of government is the president, the system is essentially a parliamentary one, The president is elected by parliament and not directly by the electorate. So this was not regime change as Zuma implied. It was a palace coup, very similar to the one Zuma had overseen when Thabo Mbeki was removed from office ten years ago in September 2008. Last throw of the dice At the start of a dramatic week in South African politics, on Monday the ANC’s National Executive Committee concluded a marathon 13-hour meeting by deciding that Zuma should be “recalled” and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa was Zuma’s deputy in government after winning a closely-contested race to succeed him as ANC president at the party’s five-yearly national elective conference in December. A former trade union leader and, later a successful businessman, Ramaphosa won on a ‘change’ agenda. He promised to end the culture of impunity that has been the hallmark of the Zuma years and to arrest the self-enrichment project of “state capture”. This has seen key state institutions, such as the SA Revenue Service and PRASA, hollowed out, causing great harm to the interests of millions of the most vulnerable citizens. Earlier in the day Zuma had waged war against his own party when in an exclusive interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation he defied the ANC’s leadership, claiming that he had not done anything wrong. He also claimed that the party had failed to specify the reason for its decision to recall him. At one point in the interview Zuma appeared to be threatening instability in the organisation that he has served his whole life – a last roll of the dice for a fearless politician for whom the usual rules of political engagement never seemed to apply. But Ramaphosa did not blink and preparations for the vote of no confidence continued. Zuma calculated that the game was up and fell, finally, on his sword. Under the country’s constitution, the deputy president of the country Ramaphosa takes over as interim president immediately. The National Assembly is nevertheless likely to be convened shortly to elect a new president. This will enable Ramaphosa to deliver the State of the Nation Address that was postponed last week. Victory for the rule of law Given the history and context of post-colonial Africa in which numerous heads of state have clung onto power for decades, yesterday’s turn of events could be seen as a victory for South Africa’s democracy. It has proved to be resilient in the face of the Zuma-enabled project of state capture. The rule of law and an independent judiciary has held firm despite the pressures of an unrelenting line of politically-charged cases. Along with opposition parties, civil society organisations, such as Section 27 and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution, have used the constitution to challenge Zuma. Now Zuma, along with Gupta family and many others – including several members of the current cabinet – must face the prospect of being held to account. The process is already underway. Yesterday began with the startling news that one of the Gupta brothers had been arrested and the family’s compound in Saxonwold, Johannesburg had been searched. And a judicial inquiry into the involvement of the Guptas in state capture will soon commence. This will include their relationship to both cabinet ministers and the leadership of certain key state owned enterprises, such as beleaguered energy utility Eskom. And one of Ramaphosa’s first appointments will be a new national director of public prosecutions. The courts have already ruled that they must proceed with the prosecution of the 783 corruption charges that were unlawfully dropped against Zuma just before he first became president in April 2009. Whether Zuma is convicted and imprisoned remains to be seen. But his early ousting from power is a salutary lesson. Those implicated in the corruption that has increasingly undermined investor confidence in South Africa in recent years will be quaking in their boots. The winds of change are blowing through the corridors of power. Ramaphosa’s big challenges Having dealt with the unavoidably messy and awkward business of removing a sitting head of state, Ramaphosa can turn to the even bigger and important challenges that face the country. These include a fiscal crunch with tough public expenditure choices to be wrestled with in next week’s budget. These include high unemployment and inequality; and rebuilding integrity in state institutions and agencies. With Zuma out of the way, Ramaphosa can expedite his pursuit of a socio-economic “new deal” unencumbered by Zuma’s obstructive tendencies and personal interests. These have included a rumoured deal with President Vladimir Putin to purchase nuclear power plants from Russia. Ramaphosa, and South Africa, now have a clear run at addressing the many urgent problems that have hindered economic growth and confidence in recent years. They have given themselves an opportunity to rebuild the lost social compact of the Mandela years. And recover from the draining swamp of Zuma’s rule. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: South Africa sees the end of President Jacob Zuma and Gupta brothers' tyranny

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