Bloemfontein – Charges have been dropped against five accused in the Gupta-linked Nulane Investment R24.9-million fraud and money laundering matter.
The five accused in the matter, who successfully applied for a discharge, include former Gupta associate Iqbal Sharma, ex-head of the Free State Department of Rural Development Peter Thabethe, former provincial agriculture chief financial officer Seipati Dhlamini, Sharmas brother-in-law and a representative of Nulane, Dinesh Patel, and Gupta-owned Islandsite Investments director, Ronica Ragavan.
The High Court of South Africa, Free State Division, Bloemfontein granted their applications in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Acting Judge Nompumelelo Gusha dropped various charges against the accused, signaling the collapse of the first state capture case. She said most of the documentary evidence submitted by the state was inadmissible.
The state is considering its options.
We will be reflecting on the judgment with a view to determine legal avenues to explore,” Investigating Director Advocate Andrea Johnson said after the ruling.
“The outcome of this case has no bearing on our ability to prosecute other state capture cases.
“We remain resolute in our commitment and ability to vigorously prosecute those responsible for state capture and corruption.
“The National Prosecution Authority hopes that the legislative process to make the Investigating Directorate a permanent entity with expanded criminal investigative powers will be finalised expeditiously,” said Sindisiwe Seboka Investigating Directorate Spokesperson.
