Duduzane Zuma, left, and Ajay Gupta. Picture: ANA File Photo
It was confirmed on Friday morning that the warrant of arrest for controversial businessman Ajay Gupta has been withdrawn.
He had previously been a fugitive from justice in South Africa, and was unwilling to travel to Johannesburg to participate in person at the state capture commission. His request to cross-examine his accusers by remote video was turned down by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
He was accused, among other things, of an attempt to bribe then deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas to the tune of R600 million to become the finance minister and do favours for the Guptas in 2015.
Jonas says he declined.
The businessman’s lawyer and the Hawks have confirmed that the warrant has been cancelled, which is in keeping with Gupta’s co-accused Duduzane Zuma having charges against him in the same Jonas matter provisionally withdrawn in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Johannesburg last month, ostensibly because the commission’s work has not been concluded.
The Hawks have confirmed that the warrant had to be cancelled as a necessary consequence of the case against the former president’s son being in limbo.
It’s understood that Gupta has been living in Dubai.
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