Justice Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed that the extradition treaty between South Africa and the United Arab Emirates had been ratified after the National Prosecuting Authority approached Interpol to assist in the execution of warrants of arrests for brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta, their wives and four others. The treaty comes into effect on 10 July. #Guptas #UAE
The Middle Eastern country confirmed the ratification of its extradition treaty this week after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) approached Interpol to assist in the execution of warrants of arrests for brothers Atul and Rajesh Gupta, along with their wives and and four others.
The NPA's Investigating Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka said that they had completed their investigations and they would be ready to hand over their full docket to the defence team when all the suspects appeared in court in early July.
Magistrate Estelle de Lange handed down judgment on Tuesday afternoon.
The NPA wanted the court to see what assets Sharma owned, both in South Africa and abroad, before it decides if he was a flight risk.
Sharma is one of four suspects arrested last week but he’s the only one yet to be granted bail.
Thabethe and Gupta associate, Iqbal Sharma, spent the weekend in police cells after they were arrested last week alongside former officials Limakatso Moorosi and Seipati Dlamini, who were granted bail last week.
Sharma and Thabethe are amongst 15 accused who face charges relating to the disastrous Vrede dairy farm project.
A High Court-appointed curator will preserve the assets, which were seized on Friday, pending the outcome of the fraud and money laundering trial.
The order also extends to properties in Johannesburg, Cape Town and abroad.
The NPA Investigative Directorate said that the three officials allegedly awarded the Vrede dairy farm feasibility study contract to Gupta-linked associate Iqbal Sharma’s company, Nulani, for nearly R25 million.
The group were arrested in the Free State, Gauteng and Mpumalanga on Wednesday.
Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba appeared at the state capture commission of inquiry on 31 May 2021 to continue his testimony. #Gigaba #NormaMngoma #StateCapture
Malusi Gigaba said his estranged wife - Norma Mngoma - lied when she told the state capture commission that he said he was handling the case.
Former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba is continuing to give evidence at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday afternoon.
Speaking at the state capture inquiry Gigaba said he was aware that the Guptas has used his name, and that of other ministers, to wield influence. He said this led to 'the pulling of relations'.
Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba appeared before the state capture commission of inquiry on 27 May 2021 and responded to the allegations made by his estranged wife, Norma Mngoma.
Former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba appeared before the state capture commission of inquiry on 27 May 2021 and responded to the allegations made by his estranged wife, Norma Mngoma.
