SACP wants SA authorities to probe Bell Pottinger

The SACP released a statement saying South African authorities need to act urgently and hold the company accountable for its controversial campaign with the Gupta family.

The firm, which has reportedly represented, among others, FW de Klerk, the first lady of Syria Asma al-Assad, as well as Oscar Pistorius after being accused of murder, issued an "unequivocal and absolute" apology for the campaign.

The company said it dismissed the senior partner who worked on the campaign, and suspended three others involved as senior management were "misled about what has been done".

But despite two investigations into the campaign (Britain's Public Relations and Communications Association launched a probe after a complaint by the DA, and international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is also looking into the project after a request by Bell Pottinger itself) the SACP wants the company to answer for its actions to South African authorities.

"Now investigations are taking place in Britain, that actually is an indictment on our democracy," spokesperson Alex Mashilo told Jacarandafm News, "We have got to stand up and our institutions established to support democracy and law enforcement institutions must be playing a leading role in these investigations."

Mashilo adds if South Africa fails to hold Bell Pottinger accountable, it would fuel perceptions "of widespread state capture".

Mashilo stresses the company has also failed to disclose the amount of money it received from the Guptas.