OVERVIEW: Legal counsel for Zuma, Gupta and others implicated in #StateCapture all present at inquiry

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Proceedings are adjourned for the day, to resume at 10:00 tomorrow morning. 

Norman wraps up, and Advocate Pretorius rises and says given the large number of documents that have yet to be presented, in addition to those already mentioned by Advocate Norman, they will have to devise a system for index pagination and keeping a proper and comprehensive record, together with an index. Zondo agrees. 

Norman brings up the final report by ENS Forensics on the investigation into the Vrede farm project, makes particular mention of the recommendations in the report, saying a full investigation should be conducted into this project.

Norman says they also have the transcripts of interviews between the former public protector and Nhlanhla Nene, Julius Malema, Barbara Hogan, Vytjie Mentor, Jacob Zuma and Mcebisi Jonas. 

Norman says there is also a final 60-page report on the Vrede farm, a Home Affairs report on the parliamentary inquiry into the naturalisation of the Guptas, and reports on Eskom and Denel. 

The "Unburdening" panel report by the SACC, which deals with the looting of state resources, is also mentioned. 

There are also reports that are marked private and confidential, says Norman, including from Werksmans, MNS and a report on Transnet locomotives.

Norman raises the Public Protector's report, says it is readily available online, and also brings up the report from the parliamentary inquiry that they will ask Zondo to accept. 

Norman brings up a slide of all the reports in their possession, which includes reports on the SABC, SAA, Transnet, Eskom, Denel, as well as the Public Protector.

Advocate Norman mentions reports that have been referred to the commission, says there are also research reports that will simply be mentioned. The report by the People's Tribunal will be the exception.

The legal teams of those who have been implicated, or could be implicated, have left the room, after it was agreed to allow witnesses to go ahead and testify even in their absence.

Advocate Vincent Maleka says the legal team will supply evidence bundles to the legal counsel of those implicated in the state capture allegations, by Wednesday. They will be allowed to sit in on testimony that further implicates their clients.

Proceedings have once again resumed after the lunch adjournment.

Last counsel to introduce himself, Henry Cowlie, on behalf of the former PA to former president Jacob Zuma, who has been implicated in the Vytjie Mentor allegations.

Next, Welcome Lusenga introduces himself, acting for the former minister of public enterprises, Lynne Brown, subject to confirmation of instruction. Says they never got any notice, nor are they asking, but given the allegations related to her portfolio, she might be implicated.

Next up is Dawie Joubert, who confirms that he appears together with Hellens, appearing on behalf of Ajay Gupta in relation to the evidence that Mcebisi Jonas might give. "We are awaiting instructions on behalf of Mr Duduzane Zuma and Mr Rajesh Gupta, also in relation to the evidence of Mr Jonas. Hopefully early next week, we will get clarification on that."

Zondo now invites all the legal representatives to introduce themselves and place themselves on record, in the order that they did so in chambers. 

First up is Michael Hellens, SC, on behalf of Ajay Gupta. Appearing in respect of Vytjie Mentor and Themba Maseko, but not in respect of Mcebisi Jonas. 

"I also represent with the same team, Mr Ajay Gupta, in respect of any other allegations that may be made..." 

Zondo and the legal teams are back from the adjournment, and Advocate Maleka is up next.

A short (10-minute) adjournment is called so that all the various legal teams and representatives can meet with Zondo in chambers and introduce themselves, so as to avoid any confusion during commission proceedings.

Zuma, Guptas bring legal muscle on first day of state capture inquiry 

Legal representatives for various members of the Zuma and Gupta families were in strong attendance as the first day of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry got underway on Monday.

News24 observed attorney Rudi Krause of BDK Attorneys, who represents Duduzane Zuma and other Gupta associates in the ongoing Estina dairy farm matter.

Former president Jacob Zuma's legal "dream team" - advocates Mike Hellens SC, Dawie Joubert SC, Muzi Sikhakane SC and Thabani Masuku SC - were in attendance. 

Advocate Jaap Cilliers SC was seated with Zuma's representatives. He is representing businessman Fana Hlongwane.

Hellens and Joubert are criminal law experts, while Sikhakane and Masuku specialise in civil litigation, the Mail and Guardian reported.

Hellens is representing Ajay Gupta at the inquiry. 

Pretorius says one of the most important objectives of the commission is also to restore public trust and confidence in government, not just to uncover wrongdoing.

He wraps up his opening statement. 

Pretorius says the phenomenon of state capture is not unique to South Africa, and it has manifested in other countries with democracies in transition. They will call on expert witnesses to detail state capture in other emerging democracies. This is not to diminish the impact on SA, but to learn, says Pretorius.