It is believed that Atul and Rajesh Gupta are now in custody in Dubai.
Johannesburg:
According to the final report on the Comprehensive Inquiry into Corruption, the United States had expressed concerns with South African officials that the controversial Gupta family was receiving funds from Iran to purchase the Shiva uranium mine in this country.
The final report of the Commission of Inquiry into the State Capture, submitted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday, claimed that there have been efforts by the top three officials of the State Security Agency (SSA) to investigate people of Indian origin. The Gupta family was allegedly foiled by the then minister of the agency, Syabonga Quayle.
It said Director General Jeff Maketuka, led by Mo Shaik, head of the foreign branch and Gibson Njenje, head of the domestic branch, wanted to investigate SSA Gupta.
The commission submitted its final report to President Ramaphosa after a four-year investigation, in which the three Gupta brothers – Ajay, Atul and Rajesh – featured prominently regarding alleged loot of billions of rands from state enterprises, allegedly with the former. Because of their proximity to President Jacob Zuma.
Atul and Rajesh are now believed to be in custody in Dubai, awaiting the finalization of an extradition request by South Africa.
The entire Gupta family, originally from Saharanpur, India, fled the country when pressure mounted on Zuma, who was eventually ousted by his own African National Congress, which gave him a second term. was appointed for.
The report said, “In the view of the Commission, a strong case has been made, … there were deliberate attempts to gain access to national intelligence, moreover, attempts were made to thwart investigations into the Guptas. “
“As interest in the Guptas initially arose, Ambassador Maketuka confirmed evidence from Mr. Shaik and Mr. Nzenje that it arose because Americans had raised concerns that Gupta was receiving funds to purchase the Shiva uranium mine from Iran. .
“The second angle from which the need to investigate the Guptas arose arose from the issue of (Transport) Minister (Fikle) Mabalula, who stated that he had been informed of his imminent appointment as minister by the Guptas even before the former. was informed about. President.
“According to Ambassador Maketuka this needed to be investigated for two reasons. First, for him, it was a serious security risk for Minister Mabalula to be informed in advance by an outsider. Second, the need to protect the former president. was because it would tarnish his name,” the report said.
“Another concern was that, by notifying Minister Mabulula in advance of his appointment, Gupta would be creating dependence on him by Mr. Mabulula because his advance information about his appointment would make him feel grateful to him. Thus The undue influence of the Sports Minister was serious, as the Guptas were interested in businesses that included cricket stadiums,” the report said.
At one time, the Guptas attempted to rename all major cricket stadiums in South Africa under their IT brand, Sahara.
The commission was also informed that the then Mining Minister Susan Shabangu had been called for a meeting with Ajay Gupta, which used to be held at a hotel, but the venue was converted into the official residence of President Mahalamba Ndlofu in Pretoria . ,
The ministerial delegation was joined in the presidential study by Ajay Gupta, who reportedly pressured the minister to fast-track the mineral rights for his company.
“The fact that the meeting was held at the official residence of the President, and in his absence, in the view of Mr. Ngenje, was to show the Guptas how powerful they were; to show a government minister that they had to serve as the President. The study can be called in their absence,” the report said.
The SSA chiefs eventually met with Zuma and explained the need for an investigation into the Guptas due to US concern and the issue concerning Mabalula’s appointment.
He admitted to the commission that although Zuma did not directly instruct him to stop the investigation, it was clear from what he said and his body language that he declined the investigation.
The commission found that Zuma did not want the Guptas to be investigated.
“President Zuma defended his friendship with the Guptas and his close relationship with them. President Zuma said there was no need to investigate the Guptas as they were “nice people” with whom he had good relations,” the report said. concluded.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)