News of Van Pletzen’s release evades govt
Dirco has however confirmed that the South African ambassador in Dubai had visited Van Pletzen in custody on Tuesday.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said yesterday it was unaware of the release of the South African citizen detained after filming one of the Gupta brothers in Dubai.
Businessperson Justin van Pletzen was arrested and detained in Dubai after circulating a video of his encounter with Ajay Gupta earlier this month.
In the video, Van Pletzen is seen confronting Gupta with a question about when he was planning to return to South Africa, where he is wanted by the Hawks.
Gupta responded: “They’re not giving a reply. The day they give a reply, I’ll go there.”
Departmental spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya said the department was also unaware whether Van Pletzen’s arrest was linked to the video or not.
“He has not been to court. It is only in court that we will find out what he is being charged with.
“It is not like in South Africa where you know [before the accused appears in court].
“In some countries a person only knows what the charges are once they get to court,” said Mabaya.
However, he confirmed that the South African ambassador in Dubai had visited Van Pletzen in custody on Tuesday.
Mabaya also did not know the date scheduled for Van Pletzen’s court appearance.
For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
