Authorities raid Gupta compound, seize assets
The assets include immovable property, two aircrafts, a helicopter, vehicles and bank accounts belonging to certain entities.
The Hawks are pictured outside the Gupta compound in Saxonwold,14 February 2018. The Hawks raided the residence as part of the unit’s investigation into state capture. Picture: Tracy Lee Stark
The National Prosecuting Authority has said authorities raided the Gupta house in Saxonwold this afternoon to seize assets from those implicated in the Vrede dairy farm case, News24 reports.
Eight people, including government officials, were arrested earlier this year during a raid of the Gupta compound by the Hawks. The eight were arrested in connection with investigations into the Free State Vrede dairy farm project which saw millions of rand meant to benefit local farmers in the Free State syphoned off, allegedly for the benefit of the Gupta family who have a close relationship with former president Jacob Zuma and his son Duduzani.
Public protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report on the Gupta-linked Vrede dairy project in the Free State found that the Free State department of agriculture contravened the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
News24 quotes the NPA as saying: “On 11 April 2017, NPA (Asset Forfeiture Unit) obtained a restraint order at the Bloemfontein High Court in the amount of R250 202 652.00 against the assets of several individuals and entities who were implicated in the offences of theft, fraud and money laundering, in respect of the Vrede dairy project: Estina matter.”
“The order makes provision for the restraint of several assets to the value of R250 202 652.00, pending the finalisation of the criminal trial and upon conviction, the AFU will apply for a confiscation order for the recovery of the said amount and or any related amounts.
“Amongst the assets forming part of the restraint order, include the following; immovable property (residential and business premises and farms), two aircrafts, a helicopter, vehicles and bank accounts belonging to certain entities, namely, Oakbay Investments, (Pty) Ltd, Islandsite Investments 180, Confidents Concept (Pty) Ltd, Sahara Computer (Pty) Ltd and Westdawn Investments and Aerohaven Trading.”
– additional reporting by ANA
ALSO READ: Metro cops explain why their bakkies drove into each other
For more news your way, follow The Citizen on Facebook and Twitter.
For more news your way
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
