The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has said it will hold assets belonging to the Guptas and their lieutenant Iqbal Sharma – including a R21 million house in Constantia near Cape Town – until the fraud and money laundering case against them and three former Free State agriculture officials is concluded.
If they are convicted, the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) will apply for a confiscation order against Sharma and the company Islandsite, to recoup the value of benefits derived from the offences and related criminal activities.
Sharma’s company Nulane was awarded a R24.9 million contract to do a feasibility study for the Vrede Dairy Farm. But Deloitte was subcontracted to do the work for R1.5 million.
The NPA said the rest is of the money was transferred between Nulane and several companies, including Gupta entities Islandsite and Pragat Investments.
A High Court-appointed curator will preserve the assets pending the outcome of the fraud and money laundering trial.
Sharma’s assets include his Sandton home valued at over R12 million, and a R1.3 million sectional title home in Sandton.
Properties owned by the Gupta family company Islandsite include a house worth R21 million in Constantia, near Cape Town, and a R12 million house in Saxonwold.
Meanwhile, Sharma and former head of department Peter Thabethe remain in police cells in Bloemfontein until their bail hearing on Monday.
-EWN
In other news – SAD: Hungry and sick Bonang’s cousin Pinkygirl ignored after ordering food
A food delivery company left a sour taste in Pinkygirl’s mouth. The popular DJ took to Twitter to voice out her frustrations after waiting for more than three hours to get her food. Pinkygirl slammed the company for their poor service.
“Ordered food via Mr delivery and I still haven’t received them…..it’s been 2hrs …..when I call them they don’t answer they hang up on me……what do I do …..I’m so angry” Tweeted Pinkygirl. Learn More