Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Estina Farm

latest news & developments
The suspended public protector told him she would pleased if the probe into the scam delivered no adverse findings, Reginald Ndou tells inquiry.
BUSISIWE MKHWEBANE

Mkhwebane would not hear of Gupta links to Estina: witness

The suspended public protector told him she would pleased if the probe into the scam delivered no adverse findings, Reginald Ndou tells inquiry

  • Emsie Ferreira
5 min read
State entities paid more than R49-billion on contracts tainted by state capture with companies linked to the Gupta family, forensic researcher Paul Holden on Monday testified before the Zondo commission. (Photo by Papi Morake/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
AEROHAVEN

State paid R49bn to Gupta entities in dodgy deals, researcher testifies

The state capture inquiry heard forensic evidence on how the Guptas allegedly milked the Free State government in more than the Estina scandal

  • Emsie Ferreira
3 min read
Ephraim Dhlamini was applauded for appearing before the commission, despite threats on his life (Enca)
ESTINA FARM

Estina-linked politicians brought into Zondo commission’s crosshairs

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo criticised those in government who have withheld evidence related to state capture

  • Sarah Smit
2 min read
During his appearance before the commission — chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo — Roy Jankielsohn, a member of the Free State legislature, said officials in the provincial government are at the mercy of their MECs. (SABC)
ESTINA FARM

Zondo commission: There is a culture of fear in the Free State govt

While giving evidence on the Vrede Dairy saga, Roy Jankielsohn said officials who speak out against malfeasance could end up dead

  • Sarah Smit
3 min read
In the application filed in October last year, the DA accused Mkhwebane of being “prudent” in her report. (M&G/Madelene Cronje)
BUSISIWE MKHWEBANE

Mkhwebane’s Vrede report ruled ‘unconstitutional’ and ‘invalid’

Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane’s report on the Vrede dairy project has been set aside and declared as unconstitutional and invalid

  • Aaisha Dadi Patel
2 min read
The eight were arrested on charges of fraud and theft. (Gallo)
ESTINA FARM

NPA to provisionally withdraw charges in Estina case

The high-profile state capture case which was expected to resume on December 4 has been dropped

  • Gemma Ritchie
2 min read
Public protector’s counsel said nothing in the law prohibited her from filing another rescission application. (Gallo)
ACE MAGASHULE

Vrede: Court hears Public Protector ‘acted incompetently’

Casac argues the report did not include findings relating to the "high-level politicians that played a central role in the project"

  • Jeanette Chabalala
3 min read
Ashu Chawla (middle)(Image: Abigail Javier)
ASHU CHAWLA

How Home Affairs was Gupta’d

Ashu Chawla’s whereabouts remain unknown and the explanation his lawyer has given to MPs eagerly anticipating his testimony is suspicious

  • Raeesa Pather
3 min read
Misunderstood: Ace Magashule protests that his meeting in Durban with Jacob Zuma and other allies of the former president was to prepare for the general elections. (Renata Larroyd)
ACE MAGASHULE

I didn’t plot against Cyril, says Ace

But the ANC’s secretary general said he would never give up on former president Jacob Zuma

  • Matuma Letsoalo Author
  • Dineo Bendile
3 min read
Secret affair: Ex-premiers Supra Mahumapelo (left) and Ace Magashule met another ex in Durban. (Jabu Kumalo/ Daily Sun/Gallo Images)
ACE MAGASHULE

Of secret plots to curry f(l)avour

Was that Maharani meeting about spices? And how does a kid get his gaming ban lifted?

  • Paddy Harper
5 min read
The eight were arrested on charges of fraud and theft. (Gallo)
ESTINA FARM

State granted lengthy postponement in Estina dairy farm case

Free State National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phaladi Shuping said the case had been postponed to December 4

  • Kyle Cowan
  • Jenni Evans
2 min read
Kamal Vasram is the sole shareholder and director of the Vrede dairy farm project. (Rian Horn/M&G)
COMPANIES ACT

Estina trial adjourned, magistrate set to decide on lengthy postponement

They were arrested and charged with fraud, theft, conspiracy to commit fraud and theft as well as contravening several Acts

  • Kyle Cowan
1 min read
Ajay Gupta (centre) (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
AJAY GUPTA

Dirco confirms arrest of SA businessman in Dubai after Gupta video

The department was not able to give further details on the nature of the charge or when Van Pletzen would appear in court.

  • Tammy Petersen
1 min read
Family and friends: Ajay and Atul Gupta
ESTINA FARM

Gupta brothers dodge another tax deadline in India

​The Gupta brothers have been granted another extension for their appearance before Indian tax authorities on charges of money laundering and tax

  • Jean Le Roux
2 min read
The Western Cape’s new top cop
ESTINA FARM

Estina arrests not due to change in political winds – Hawks head

For the third week running,General Yolisa Matakata was quizzed about the Gupta-related scam in Parliament when she appeared before Scopa

  • Jan Gerber
3 min read