'Suitcase full of diamonds' led to Oppenheimer fall out with Guptas
The Oppenheimers’ aviation company Fireblade decided to cut ties with the Gupta family shortly after the family tried to load a green suitcase containing "suspicious items" onto one of its aircraft at Fireblade’s terminal at the OR Tambo airport. Four sources told Business Day the suitcase was suspected of containing diamonds, supporting the suggestion by EFF leader Julius Malema and others that the family may have tried to move significant assets abroad. The Guptas denied the allegations on Sunday, branding them "fake news". The allegations come as the Oppenheimers engage in a battle with Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba over their application to run a private customs and immigration facility at the terminal. The Oppenheimers allege in court papers the Guptas are behind government’s refusal to grant the application.
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