DA lauds Hawks for Gupta swoop, demands more arrests

14th February 2018 By: African News Agency

 DA lauds Hawks for Gupta swoop, demands more arrests

The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday said it "welcomes" the early morning swoop by the Hawks at the Saxonworld home of the Gupta brothers.

"However, this is 6 months overdue and if any incriminating evidence has been found at the residence, it would be by accident as the compound would likely have been cleared out months ago," said Zakhele Mbhele, DA member of parliament who shadows the police minister.

"The Gupta brothers must face up to the allegations of corruption and their involvement in State Capture.

"The investigations and action simply cannot end here and must continue to all those implicated, including key Ministers, such as Mosebenzi Zwane, Des van Rooyen, Lynne Brown, David Mahlobo. They too must answer the allegations and be arrested and prosecuted if needs be."

Mbhele said the Hawks must also ensure that African National Congress Secretary General, Ace Magushule, is thoroughly investigated for his alleged role in relation to the Vrede dairy farm project, in which R10-million allegedly went directly to Atul Gupta.

"Although the wheels of justice have moved slowly until recently, the raids this morning are a step in the right direction.

"We cannot, however, lose momentum. The country’s crime-fighting bodies must push ahead to ensure all those implicated in stealing from the people of South Africa are investigated and held accountable."