South African authorities are still awaiting the Guptas’ extradition from the United Arab Emirates in a straightforward case that has been dragged up for almost three years. According to a recent article by Daily Investor, the presidency and the state prosecuting authority of South Africa have visited the United Arab Emirates in an attempt to mediate the “impasse.”
Due to their suspected involvement in state capture alongside former President Jacob Zuma, Atul and Rajesh Gupta are wanted in South Africa on allegations of money laundering and fraud. Local officials contend that the Gulf state has not demonstrated a “willingness” to assist in the extradition of the Gupta family. The brothers were apprehended in the United Arab Emirates in June 2022 after escaping South Africa on a private plane and being added to an Interpol most-wanted list.
Guptas Extradition
Therefore, National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Advocate Shamila Batohi revealed that Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola would travel to the United Arab Emirates this week. By taking this action, the authorities intend to demonstrate that they have the ability to pursue legal action against the brothers for allegedly being captured by the state. Even still, the public’s trust in the organization has surely been damaged by the case’s nearly three-year delay.
Recall that the Gupta family is accused of embezzling funds from the government-run electricity, transportation, and weapons companies in South Africa. They even allegedly have a say in who is appointed to the government. However, the Guptas’ arrest warrants were revoked in 2023 after a UAE court rejected South Africa’s request for the Guptas’ extradition.
Office of the Presidency
Following the rejection of Batohi’s initial request to meet with UAE authorities, the office of the presidency became involved. The head of the NDPP stated that it is evident that the extradition of the Guptas will not proceed in the absence of political pressure. In the end, Batohi stated, “it’s a technical process that depends on political will.”
According to authorities, state capture may have cost the nation R613 billion during Zuma’s presidency. The NDPP anticipates that the delegation will leave with a resolute pledge from the UAE to back South Africa’s efforts to extradite the Guptas.
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