Hawks Priority Crimes unit to investigate Zuptagate

30 March 2016 

On Thursday, 17 March 2016, I laid charges of corruption against Atul Gupta, Ajay Gupta and Duduzane Zuma, in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (No. 12 of 2004), at a police station in Cape Town [CAS 1200/3/2016].

I have now been informed the case will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (“Hawks”). The investigation will be conducted by Major-General ZL Mnonopi, the Component Head, Serious Corruption, within the Hawks.

The investigation follows a public statement made by the Deputy Minister of Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, on 16 March 2016, alleging that members of the Gupta family had offered him the position of Finance Minister, prior to the firing of the former Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene, on 09 December 2015.

The allegations made by the Deputy Minister amount to prima facie evidence of corruption, in terms of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (No. 12 of 2004), and we therefore hope the investigation will be conducted without fear, favour or prejudice by the Hawks. 

Issued by David Maynier, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, 30 March 2016