Guptas video link plea is ‘ludicrous’
The Guptas ‘simply want to use the commission processes to proclaim their innocence’
Enabling the Guptas to testify from overseas would inevitably validate their criticism of local law enforcement as unreliable and incompetent. Arguing against a request from the Guptas to testify in the commission of inquiry into state capture from Dubai via video link, Advocate Azhar Bham SC — representing former government communications head Themba Maseko — labelled their plea as "absurd". "They want you to categorise the law enforcement agencies, and by extension the court system, as unreliable, incompetent and whatever unfortunate words were used. The moment you do that, you might as well give up the commission now, because you can never refer matters that require further action to those very law enforcement agencies. It becomes absurd," Bham told commission chair deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo.
Zondo reserved judgment on the Guptas’ application after they made it clear that they will only give evidence outside SA, by video link or through the inquiry travelling to th...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.