Let Hawks investigate Mr Zuma & the Guptas

29 March 2016

It seems to us that the Democratic Alliance is confused about how the Zuma+Gupta capture of the state should be investigated. Its request to parliament to summons the Gupta family before the portfolio committee of Public Enterprises will interfere with the Hawks investigation.

Congress of the People laid charges of corruption and treason against Mr Zuma and the Guptas. The DA also laid a charge. We reiterate our demand that the police must without any delay call in Mr Zuma and the Guptas to get statements from them. This is not the time for discussion; but certainly the right time to press ahead with criminal prosecution.

The explosive revelations by Themba Maseko, reported in the Sunday Times, indicate that there is indeed a concrete case of corruption against them.

COPE welcomes the announcement by the Hawks that they are investigating the case that we opened at the Brooklyn police against Mr Zuma and the Guptas.  We are also heartened by their assurance that they will investigate both parties without fear or favour. We urge them to prioritise this case because it is of great national interest.

Issued by Dennis Bloem, COPE Spokesperson, 29 March 2016