Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

South Africa Withdraws Arrest Warrant For Ajay Gupta

SOUTH Africa has provisionally withdrawn an arrest warrant for Ajay Gupta, a businessman and friend of former president Jacob Zuma, police said on Friday (15), in a setback for the government's promised fight against corruption.

Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas accused Gupta of offering him a large bribe and the position of finance minister if he would help the Gupta family with business ventures in South Africa.


Gupta denied wrongdoing and fought the accusation through his lawyers after prosecutors opened cases against him and Zuma's son Duduzane, in whose presence Gupta allegedly offered Jonas the bribe and cabinet post.

"The warrant for Ajay Gupta was provisionally withdrawn," said Hangwani Mulaudzi, a spokesman for the Hawks police unit, without elaborating on the reason for the withdrawal.

"But it can be reinstated."

South African prosecutors provisionally withdrew charges against Duduzane Zuma last month.

A lawyer for Gupta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gupta and his family have denied there was anything untoward in their relationship with former president Zuma, but their ties are being investigated in an influence-peddling inquiry that could take months or years to be concluded.

The Gupta family's whereabouts are not publicly known.

They left South Africa last year, around the time that Jacob Zuma resigned under pressure from the ruling African National Congress. His successor president Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to root out corruption in Africa's most advanced economy.

(Reuters)

More For You

UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

The battery of an electric car is recharged at a roadside charging station in London, England. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

UK EV sales hit record but miss targets

THE UK car industry sold a record number of all-electric vehicles in 2024 but still fell short of the government's mandated targets, an industry trade body said Saturday (4).

Battery electric vehicles made up 19.6 per cent of new cars sold last year, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which was below the government's 22-per cent target for carmakers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Shein and Temu questioned over labour practices

Olivia Hawkins attends the launch of the SHEIN pop-up store at Liverpool (Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for SHEIN)

Shein and Temu questioned over labour practices

FAST-FASHION online retailer Shein, which is hoping to list in London, faces a UK hearing on Jan. 7 where a British parliamentary committee plans to question the firm, founded in China in 2008, about the rights of workers in its supply chain.

The cross-party Business and Trade Committee will also question Temu, the global online marketplace owned by Chinese e-commerce firm PDD Holdings, as part of an inquiry into employment rights opened in October.

Keep ReadingShow less
Air India launches non-stop flight between Delhi and Newark

Air India cabin crew recreate Lunch atop a skyscraper photo

Air India launches non-stop flight between Delhi and Newark

AIR INDIA on Thursday (2) started operating its advanced A350-900 aircraft on non-stop flights between Delhi and Newark Liberty International Airport, following the recent launch of A350 services to New York. This move upgrades all flights between Delhi and the New York area with the airline's modern interiors, featuring private business class suites, premium economy seating, and an enhanced inflight entertainment system, a statement said.

To celebrate the occasion, Air India’s cabin crew explored New York city, revisiting famous landmarks immortalised in both hollywood and bollywood films. Dressed in their new uniforms designed by Manish Malhotra, the crew recreated scenes from iconic movies, connecting the airline's journey with the city’s cinematic heritage.

Keep ReadingShow less
Godawan

Priced at £65, the whisky is now available across London.

Indian single malt whisky Godawan debuts in London

INDIAN single malt whisky Godawan, crafted in Rajasthan by Diageo India, has launched in London.

The whisky is named after the Great Indian Bustard.

Keep ReadingShow less
Foodspeed

Foodspeed is a major supplier to the hotel, restaurant, and catering industry in London, providing milk, dairy products, and ingredients to over 500 clients.

Foodspeed awarded royal warrant by King Charles

FOODSPEED has been granted a royal warrant by King Charles to supply fresh milk, dairy products, and provisions to the royal household.

The company has been serving the royal household for over 15 years and previously held a royal warrant from Queen Elizabeth since 2012.

Keep ReadingShow less