Net closing on Gupta brothers
The controversial Gupta brothers suffered a blow following the ratification of two key treaties between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa.
An extradition treaty and another on mutual legal assistance that were concluded with the UAE in September were signed off by the National Assembly on Thursday.
Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Michael Masutha says some processes still have to be completed before it is fully adopted.
Talks of ratifying of the treaties started when Gupta brothers apparently sought refuge in Dubai.
The family left South Africa to Dubai after allegations that they used their friendship with former president Jacob Zuma to win contracts and influence government appointments.
Masutha says the treaty will take effect 30 days after it had been adopted in Parliament.
"It still has to be on the other side be ratified by the parliament of that country, they estimated that the time for ratification for their own country by their parliament would be in the region of three months from the day of signing."
Masutha says the purpose of adopting the two treaties is to create a legal framework that will enable the countries to extradite any people who committed crimes not just for the return of the brothers.
“To enable to two countries to exchange information relevant to criminal investigation, it has got nothing to do with any specific matter.”