Guptas tried to buy out complaining neighbour, e-mails show
The Guptas’ neighbours contended that their Saxonwold compound contravened council laws and was far too big for their stand
The Gupta family tried to buy out a neighbour who complained about the alleged illegal extensions the family made to its Saxonwold compound in an attempt to get their rezoning application through. Leaked Gupta e-mails show that in 2015 the family’s representative Pieter van der Merwe negotiated the purchase of neighbour Martin Lewison’s property. Lewison was offered R6m for his property, which is directly adjacent to the north side of the Gupta’s Johannesburg compound. Lewison was part of a group of residents who accused the Guptas of breaking council laws by building on their property at 7 Saxonwold Drive. The residents claimed the buildings were too big for the stand. The sale collapsed after the Guptas‚ through Van der Merwe‚ objected to Lewison’s proposal that his lawyers facilitate the transfer. In leaked e-mails‚ Lewison wrote: "Hi Pieter. It is irregular for the purchaser’s attorney to do the transfer, and the purchaser is always liable for the attorney’s fees. It is the sell...
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