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OVERVIEW: Atul Gupta denies claims Mentor was offered mutton curry

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Vytjie Mentor testifying at the judicial commission of inquiry into state capture. (File)
Vytjie Mentor testifying at the judicial commission of inquiry into state capture. (File)

WATCH LIVE: State Capture Inquiry 

(Courtesy of SABC)

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11 Feb 2019

The commission adjourns until Tuesday at 10:00.  

11 Feb 2019

Now on red ruby ring.. Mentor says while Ajay Gupta may claim he doesn’t wear a red ruby ring on his index finger, it’s in the media. Sello says he said it’s not for Hindu purposes, Mentor says she stands by her views

11 Feb 2019

Sello wants to put forward the Guptas version of events. Zondo agreed and Mentor comes in “please forgive me, I know I am very problematic” she questions the Guptas forcing their agenda on the commission.

11 Feb 2019

Sello moves to clarify the brief; says it was visual, the chair can take further actions. Explanation accepted but Mentor now complaining about why she was made to waste two hours during the inspection.

11 Feb 2019

Sello says the experts said a deeper level of investigation can take place, incl forensics to see if her claims are true - different features existed. Sello says this would cost around 810K, asks how she feels about this? Zondo stops her.

11 Feb 2019

Mentor tells Zondi she’s always struggled to tell the difference between granite and marble.

11 Feb 2019

Mentor: the bathroom was where I said it would be... the bathroom, the passage, the kitchen. Zondo interjects seeking to clarify something about the features she saw. 

11 Feb 2019

Sello says Mentor gave the experts a list of things to text. Mentor complains about the narrow brief experts were given.

11 Feb 2019

Sello says none of the features the experts were asked to identify at number 5 were found.

11 Feb 2019

Zondo notes that it is now after 4pm, but decides to power through and allow Sello to complete her evidence with Mentor, so that tomorrow can be used for the matter of cross-examination.

11 Feb 2019

Mentor, becoming more and more animated now, explains to Zondo that she has an inclination to vividly remember architectural features and "beautiful things" that she might like. 

Mentor: "I can tell you, I had been to the parliament of Brazil. And that was about 10 years ago. I would tell you now, the features of things I like that are still standing, in my memory... there is a blue interior, there are plants inside where, because I noticed the contrast between our chambers and their chambers..." 

Mentor: "I had been to the parliament of what is called 'House of Deputies' in Italy. I also vividly remember how, if you ask me now, I will tell you distinct features of how those chambers differ with our chambers. I can tell you the features of the hotel foyer, in 2010, where I stayed."

Mentor: "I love art also, chair. I also love beautiful things..." 

11 Feb 2019

Sello says the commission enlisted the services of an engineer and an architect (through the Department of Public Works) during the in loco inspection in Saxonwold. It had been eight years since Mentor had been inside the Guptas' home.

The team inspected specific architectural features, as detailed by Mentor in her prior testimony - a pillar, mural, and staircase, and other details from Mentor's recollection.

11 Feb 2019

Guptas want their own video of in loco inspection shown at state capture commission

The Guptas, through their legal representatives, have told the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture that they want their own video of an inspection of the family's Saxonwold home to be submitted as evidence.

Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor is back for cross-examination at the commission after giving testimony in August 2018. 

Before evidence leader Mahlape Sello managed to delve into Mentor's testimony, Mike Hellens, SC, acting on behalf of the Guptas, made the request.

"The credibility of Ms Mentor is brought sharply into focus in the in loco inspection," Hellens told Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday.

Three tapes exist: One shot by Mentor and her lawyers; a second by the commission, and a third by the Gupta family's representatives. 

READ MORE

11 Feb 2019

Sello says that according to their records, Mentor had never taken a Monday flight during the period in question, as stated in her testimony. Zondo poses the possibility to Mentor.

Mentor: "I say that I have a problem with these records, and I maintain that I flew from Cape Town to Johannesburg on a particular Monday, and returned on that same Monday back to Cape Town. And that during that visit, I was taken to Sahara and to Saxonwold where I met the president. I stand by that." 

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