Ajay Gupta Brothers

Putting the handcuffs on Ajay Gupta could prove to be a difficult task – Photo by Gallo Images / Business Day / Martin Rhodes

Ajay Gupta reveals plan to return to South Africa in NYT interview

Clear the Waterkloof runway. Ajay Gupta is making plans to return to SA, but as ever, he’s been super-sketchy with the details.

Ajay Gupta Brothers

Putting the handcuffs on Ajay Gupta could prove to be a difficult task – Photo by Gallo Images / Business Day / Martin Rhodes

The state capture inquiry has been relentless in identifying the rotten apples embroiled in government graft. In fact, it’s even made mincemeat out of figures like Nhlanhla Nene, once seen as “a good guy” of the cabinet. Now Ajay Gupta has gone public with his views on the matter…

Speaking to the New York Times, Ajay was up to his usual tricks. On the rare occasion any of the brothers talk to the media, they are in full denial mode. He cites their current charge sheet, saying that they have not yet been found guilty for any wrongdoing.

When will Ajay Gupta come back to South Africa

Their best form of defence – “you haven’t caught us yet” – is somewhat bolstered by own goals scored by South Africa’s own authorities. Ajay Gupta was allowed to slip out of the country in March, despite Hawks issuing a warrant for his arrest.

They had their assets seized as part of a corruption investigation but, embarrassingly, the case was found to be flawed and the brothers had their possessions returned. In boastful fashion, the most outspoken Gupta said he’d come back to face the music one day:

“I’m not saying that I’m not coming to the commission. I will, but not at this moment. I want to clear my name. Was Ajay Gupta or Gupta family proven guilty? One place? One smallest thing?” “Forget Nene… We never asked any minister for any commercial benefit.”

“Who did not come and meet me? Or I not meet with them? Meeting with people, there’s nothing wrong. Every business organization meets with the politicians and the people.”

Guptas and the state capture inquiry

Mcebisi Jonas, Nhlanhla Nene and Vytjie Mentor are just some of the political heavyweights who have implicated the Guptas at the state capture inquiry. Jonas’ testimony was arguably the most dramatic after he claimed the billionaires “threatened to kill him” if he went public with their offer of a R600 million bribe.

Ajay and his brothers have offered to testify via a video link, but the head of the investigation Raymond Zondo is playing hardball. He believes allowing some key witnesses to participate from afar would be akin to giving them special treatment, insisting the Guptas must show up in person to defend themselves.

The inquiry resumes on 12 November, with Barbara Hogan and Pravin Gordhan due to address the commission within the same week.