JOHANNESBURG, February 14 (ANA) - Members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) and the SA Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday swooped on the Gupta family home in Saxonwold, where they reportedly arrested a family member and another individual.
Enca is reporting that one Gupta brother and an associate have been arrested, but Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said it was "just speculation".
He said the Hawks had "concluded that operation" and were moving on to other addresses to continue their probe.
The Guptas have a close relationship with President Jacob Zuma and his family. They are accused of using undue influence on government officials in charge of state-owned enterprises in order to score lucrative contracts.
Earlier, vehicles flashing blue lights arrived and waited outside the compound before entering the premises a few minutes later. None of the Hawks members were willing to speak to journalists camped on the opposite side of the property, kept away by private security personnel.
The Hawks then left followed by two luxury vehicles from the compound. Documents were also reportedly seized during the raid.
Curious passers-by and motorists stopped to have a look as the Hawks went into the premises. Some of the residents hurled insults at the security guards pacing up and down near the gate.
The operation is one of the latest action by law enforcement investigating state capture and corruption allegations levelled against the Gupta family and their associates.
These include the Estina diary project in Vrede, Free State where R200 million in funds meant for emerging black farmers allegedly went to Gupta bank accounts. Some of the money was allegedly used to pay for a lavish Gupta family wedding at Sun City in 2013.
The controversial Gupta family is being investigated by multiple law enforcement agencies who are hunting for more than R50 billion allegedly looted from South Africa's state-owned companies through an elaborate state capture project.
Following the "state of capture report" by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela and a barrage of leaked emails showing the extent of the corruption and looting, Zuma came under pressure to set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the allegations.
The commission, chaired by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, would soon starts its work following the publication of its terms of reference in the Government Gazette last month.
The Hawks said a statement regarding the raid would be issued soon.
- African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Moses Mudzwiti
