UAE-SA co-operation limited to Gupta case

The Justice Ministry claims co-operation between the UAE and SA is limited to the Gupta brothers and not a broader extradition treaty, notes a Business Day report. ‘The Minister is not negotiating an extradition treaty. He is negotiating the co-operation of the UAE with respect to making the Guptas available to the law enforcement agencies here (in SA),’ a Justice Ministry spokesperson said. Earlier in 2018, the Hawks issued a warrant of arrest for Ajay Gupta in relation to a corruption case. It is believed that the warrant is in connection with money offered to former Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas, who claimed the Guptas offered him a R600m bribe and the position of Finance Minister in 2015. A Hawks spokesperson said Ajay Gupta was still regarded as a fugitive. ‘We are the only competent authority – that is the NPA and the DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) – who can make a determination of whether there is a case to be answered or not. There is a warrant of arrest on a case of corruption and that case is waiting for him to come back so that he can come answer for his deeds.’ A number of related investigations were continuing, he said.