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How the public protector is taking her time with four Gupta reports
Of the 11 reports released by Busisiwe Mkhwebane since she took office last year, none of these have addressed state capture and the Guptas.
Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the Public Protector, is seen during a press briefing at her offices, 2 February 2017, Pretoria. Picture: Jacques Nelles
The public protector’s office claims four separate reports into the Guptas and President Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane are pending and will receive attention.
Sunday Times reports that since Mkhwebane took up her role, all the reports she has released have nothing to do with state capture or the Gupta’s alleged influence on government business. The reports that Mkhwebane is yet to conclude are:
- A draft report on illegal landing of Gupta wedding guests at Waterkloof – This report was delayed by a lack of resources but a finding was made that Zuma failed to act and promoted the scapegoat Bruce Koloane to serve as an ambassador to Netherlands
- An investigation into the relationship The New Age newspaper had with Eskom and SABC after R40 million was paid to Gupta owned newspaper – This report was at a provisional stage
- A report on the Guptas and their influence over Zuma and politicians – A complaint was lodged by the National Union of Mineworkers and according to the public protector was still under investigation. No further details would be released as this could compromise the final report.
- The state capture report which Thuli Madonsela released a draft report on before leaving for Harvard University
Mkwebane’s spokesperson Cleopatra Mosene said investigations on The New Age fell under the state capture report which was under judicial review and that the other reports were pending.
“At this stage it is unfair to say the public protector is sitting with information, without understanding the complexities of the issues involved,” she told Sunday Times.
On the Waterkloof report, Mosene did not comment on why that report had still not been released. Mkhwebane stated she would begin a fresh investigation into state capture after Gupta emails were leaked two weeks ago. The correspondence has shown how the Gupta family have influenced the appointment of Cabinet ministers, bought a luxury R18 million apartment for Duduzane Zuma, sought residency for Zuma and his family in Dubai and paid for flights for several state officials from parastatals.
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