Lamola: A lot of issues still to be resolved on Gupta extradition
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said while he cannot discuss the nature of the charges against Atul and Rajesh Gupta, the process to capture the controversial brothers has always been transparent.
Lamola made the remarks during an interview with Newzroom Afrika following the arrest of the two brothers in Dubai on charges related to state capture.
"These involve the processes of the courts; it involves diplomatic processes. There are still a lot of issues to be resolved on the matter," he said.
“I think when the NPA is ready, at the right time they will be able to take society into confidence upon submission of the extradition request and to the extent that they believe is necessary and permissible and allowed within the limits. They will be able to tell society that these are the charges they believe they are going to face when they come here.”
The alleged state capture kingpins were arrested earlier this month in Dubai after police organisation Interpol issued red notices for the wanted fugitives, including their brother Ajay.
Authorities want to try them on corruption charges in South Africa.
Lamola said they’re still in the early stages of extraditing the Guptas, as prosecutors have 60 days to submit their extradition request.
"When they issue a red notice, we don't know where these people will be arrested. They could be arrested in Brazil or China. So those 60 days are kind of a leeway that gives us an opportunity to deal with papers in line with the extradition agreement with that particular country.”
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