(Gallo Images / Esa Alexander)
(Gallo Images / Esa Alexander)
South Africa is taking giant leaps forward with its bid to bring the Guptas back to South Africa, in order for them to face justice for their role in the abhorrent practice of state capture. The architects of the corrupt government network have been in Dubai, UAE for the last few years – but they could soon be extradited thanks to a newly ratified treaty.
SA, UAE extradition treaty set to be ‘the gamechanger’
Both South Africa and the UAE have an agreement in place, which would allow both countries to process criminals that have committed their indiscretions in one country, and then took up residence in the other. The Guptas chose to flee to Dubai, but little did they know that the international wheels of justice were turning.
South African Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has announced that extradition treaty with UAE comes into force on July 10th. Essentially this paves the way for the extradition of the Guptas. NPA has also alerted Interpol.
— KhayelihleKhumalo (@KhayaJames) June 11, 2021
When can the Guptas be extradited back to South Africa?
The agreement was entered into, back in 2018. However, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola says that this deal has been TEN years in the making. According to the Cabinet members, the finalisation of ‘ratification instruments’ will conclude this weekend – meaning that both SA and the UAE will be able to ‘exchange wanted criminals with each other’.
- In effect, the earliest possible date we could see the Guptas hauled back to Mzansi is next month, on Saturday 10 July.
“Within two months of entering into the agreement, the Parliament of SA during its plenary sitting on 15 November 2018, ratified the Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Treaties between the Republic of South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In essence, the ratification by the UAE concludes a ten-year process.”
“The treaties will come into force 30 days after the ratification instruments have been exchanged, which is 10 July 2021… the agreement covers all forms of crime, including acts of money laundering and corruption.”
Ronald Lamola
