South African police on Monday raided a compound belonging to the Gupta family, as the authorities continue with investigations into the family’s alleged involvement in government fraud during former president Jacob Zuma’s reign.
The Guptas – said to be strong allies of Zuma – were two years ago accused of corruption by a graft watchdog, which said they used their influence to gain control of state companies and contracts.
National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku said the raid was part of an investigation into fraud at a state-backed dairy project in the Free State province.
The three Gupta brothers, accused by the public anti-graft watchdog of using their friendship with Zuma to influence policy and amass wealth, have denied any wrongdoing, as has Zuma.
South African authorities last month formally opened an inquiry into allegations of influence peddling revolving around the Guptas.
The allegations around Zuma – who was forced out of office last month by his ruling African National Congress (ANC) party – and the wealthy Gupta family have tarred major companies, among them, KPMG and McKinsey, and triggered the revolt against Zuma.
The lead investigator in the case is a former auditor-general, Terrence Nombembe.
