Hawks refute media reports over Gupta imminent arrest

Officials from the Hawks have refuted media reports over the imminent arrest of the Gupta brothers and their associates.

The crime busting unit is investigating at least seven cases which are now reportedly at an advanced stage.

Some of these include Atul Gupta’s alleged offer of ministerial positions to former deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former African National Congress (ANC) MP Vytjie Mentor.

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane is also alleged to be the number one accused for allegedly masterminding the diversion R220-million which was meant to benefit poor farmers at the Vrede Dairy farm
project in the Free State.

Hawks spokesperson, Hangwani Mulaudzi has cautioned the media to beware of false reporting.

“I don’t know who their sources are – it is totally unacceptable, whilst we are still busy with the investigations, they are people who are busy writing stories about people are going to be arrested… where, and for what… It’s really causing confusion. There was one that was running last week where they are saying the Minister of Mineral resources is going to be arrested.”

“We have to beg with our media colleagues to say, if you want anything that is official, talk to us rather than using your so called sources. Warrants of arrest cannot just be issued willy nilly before you even finalise the investigations. Things are moving on very swiftly, and then an announcement will then be made,” says Mulaudzi.

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