DA lays criminal charges against Guptas

17 March 2016

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has today laid criminal charges against members of the Gupta family in terms of Section 4 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004), following revelations this week that members of the ANC-aligned Gupta family had offered cabinet positions to at least two ANC members in exchange for executive decisions favourable and beneficial to Guptas’ narrow business interests.  

Both current Deputy Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, and ex-Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, this week publically disclosed that they were offered cabinet positions by members of the Gupta family. These revelations of undue executive influence by the Guptas amount to a prima facie case of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

After years of allegations over state favours, murky business relationships and clear cut nepotism between the Gupta family and President Jacob Zuma – ranging from cabinet appointments to business deals benefiting the Zuma family directly – there is finally prima facie evidence of such illicit activity, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is now called upon to conduct a thorough criminal investigation into this matter.

In addition to such charges, the DA strongly believes that there should be an investigation into President Jacob Zuma and his involvement in such corrupt and unethical behaviour. 

Furthermore, we urge members of cabinet and other ANC members to do the honourable thing and speak out against such revelations, and put forward any evidence of further examples they have knowledge of.

ANC-sponsored corruption is a cancer that robs South Africans of jobs, service delivery, and ultimately the hope of a better life. Under Jacob Zuma’s ANC, this has spiralled out of control, and with members of his own cabinet now coming forward with such disclosure, its high time the President finally does the honourable thing and step down from the highest office in the land. 

Issued by Mabine Seabe, Spokesperson to the DA Leader, 17 March 2016