NPA confirms arrest of Mosebenzi Zwane for Estina dairy project
National Prosecuting Authority says the former minister is expected to apply for bail at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Wednesday
28 September 2022 - 10:23
by Isaac Mahlangu
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Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane testifying at the state capture inquiry. Picture: VELI NHLAPO
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the arrest of former minister Mosebenzi Zwane, who is expected to apply for bail at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
NPA Investigating Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka confirmed three arrests took place on Wednesday morning, including that of Zwane in Bloemfontein. The other two are former employees of Gupta family-owned Sahara Computers and Islandsite Investments.
“Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane was arrested this morning, along with former Sahara employee Ugeshni Govender and Islandsite director Ronica Ragavan,” Seboka said.
They were arrested in connection with alleged fraud and corruption linked to the controversial dairy farm project in Vrede, in the Free State, involving public funds meant to develop emerging black farmers.
Seboka said the “arrests arise from the alleged looting of the Free State department of agriculture through a company called Estina”.
“In the charge sheet we allege that in terms of the agreement between the department and Estina ... the beneficiaries owned 51% of the AgriBEE (special purpose vehicle) entity and the remaining shares were to belong to Estina. The said agreement also contained a rent-free lease clause in favour of Estina for a period of 99 years,” Seboka said.
On July 5 2012 Estina entered into an agreement with the Free State department of agriculture to establish and implement a dairy farm project in Vrede to benefit previously disadvantaged farmers to uplift the people of the area, said Seboka.
“In terms of the agreement, Estina was to provide a capital injection of R228m. Paras Dairy (a company incorporated in India) was alleged to be Estina’s partner in the Vrede dairy project,” she said.
Update: September 28 2022 This story has been updated throughout.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
NPA confirms arrest of Mosebenzi Zwane for Estina dairy project
National Prosecuting Authority says the former minister is expected to apply for bail at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Wednesday
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed the arrest of former minister Mosebenzi Zwane, who is expected to apply for bail at the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court on Wednesday.
NPA Investigating Directorate spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka confirmed three arrests took place on Wednesday morning, including that of Zwane in Bloemfontein. The other two are former employees of Gupta family-owned Sahara Computers and Islandsite Investments.
“Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane was arrested this morning, along with former Sahara employee Ugeshni Govender and Islandsite director Ronica Ragavan,” Seboka said.
They were arrested in connection with alleged fraud and corruption linked to the controversial dairy farm project in Vrede, in the Free State, involving public funds meant to develop emerging black farmers.
Seboka said the “arrests arise from the alleged looting of the Free State department of agriculture through a company called Estina”.
“In the charge sheet we allege that in terms of the agreement between the department and Estina ... the beneficiaries owned 51% of the AgriBEE (special purpose vehicle) entity and the remaining shares were to belong to Estina. The said agreement also contained a rent-free lease clause in favour of Estina for a period of 99 years,” Seboka said.
On July 5 2012 Estina entered into an agreement with the Free State department of agriculture to establish and implement a dairy farm project in Vrede to benefit previously disadvantaged farmers to uplift the people of the area, said Seboka.
“In terms of the agreement, Estina was to provide a capital injection of R228m. Paras Dairy (a company incorporated in India) was alleged to be Estina’s partner in the Vrede dairy project,” she said.
Update: September 28 2022
This story has been updated throughout.
TimesLIVE
No high-profile politicians in the dock yet as NPA’s deadline nears
Mkhwebane wanted no adverse findings in the Vrede report, says investigator
Mkhwebane allegedly made big changes to Vrede dairy report
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