Minister of justice and correctional services Michael Masutha and his UAE counterpart, Sultan Saeed Al Badi, signed the treaties in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. (Trevor Samson)
You can run to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) but you cannot hide.
This, after South Africa and the UAE signed treaties on extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, the justice ministry said on Wednesday.
Minister of justice and correctional services Michael Masutha and his UAE counterpart, Sultan Saeed Al Badi, signed the treaties in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
The UAE is made up of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah and the popular business and tourism hub, Dubai.
Dubai has often featured in reports emanating from the #GuptaLeaks, which have shown that the Gupta siblings and their close associates have amassed companies and properties in the UAE.
Former president Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane also set up a home there since February 2018 and conducts business there.
In a statement, the justice department said negotiations over the treaty between the two countries began in February 2010.
Spokesperson for the department Mukoni Ratshitanga said the agreement covered aspects such as torture and South Africa’s opposition to the death penalty.
“The treaties will enable the two countries to assist each other in the investigation and prosecution of crimes through mutual legal assistance and the extradition of fugitives.
The department of justice is currently negotiating similar treaties with Brazil, Mozambique and Cuba.
This is a list of countries with which South Africa has extradition treaties (as of July 2017). — News24