Police Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday directed the acting head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or the Hawks, to ensure that ten suspects appeared in court today in connection with the Vrede Dairy Project.

This follows the Hawks’ and NPA’s raid on the Gupta compound yesterday, which resulted in the issuing of arrest warrants for thirteen suspects.

Some of the more than R200-million in funds meant for emerging black farmers at the Estina diary project in the Free State allegedly flowed into the banks accounts of Gupta family members. Some of the money was allegedly used to pay for a family wedding at Sun City in 2013.

Mbalula said that the investigations were still continuing and more arrests could not be ruled out. Eight suspects appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today.

“Eight suspects have been arrested during the takedown operation, with two of the suspects still being sought while three are believed to be outside the republic and assistance on them will be sought,” explained Mbalula.

Mbalula assured the public that since mid-2017 at least 17 dockets were being investigated “without fear or favour”.