Share

Zondo commission: Banks subpoenaed to hand over Gupta details - report

Four banks have been subpoenaed to hand over details of transactions involving the Guptas and any state-owned entities, a report said on Sunday.

Absa, Standard Bank, First National Bank and Nedbank have all been ordered to hand over the information to the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture, the Sunday Times reported.

Commission spokesperson Reverend Mbuyiselo Stemela confirmed to the newspaper that the banks were asked to provide the documentation.

Absa, Standard Bank and First National Bank confirmed that they would comply, while Nedbank declined to confirm the subpoena, citing the ongoing nature of the commission's investigation.

The newspaper also reported that the Bank of Baroda - which continued to work with the Guptas after the other banks closed their accounts - would be summoned by the commission.

The Zondo commission claimed the first major scalp this month when Nhlanhla Nene resigned as finance minister following his testimony at the inquiry.

Nene had come under intense pressure since his revelations on October 3, where he admitted to meeting the controversial Gupta family six times at their home between 2009 and 2014.

Despite standing firm on his decision to not sign off on the so-called nuclear deal, pressure mounted on Nene for having not been forthcoming on the meetings when asked on previous occasions.

He was replaced by former reserve bank governor Tito Mboweni. He resigned as a Member of Parliament this past week.

ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte admitted last week that the party was concerned that it was perceived to be on trial at the commission.

Duarte added that, while the party was concerned that the commission may not be concluded by the 2019 elections, the ANC was encouraging its members to tell the truth.

The commission, headed by Constitutional Court Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is set to resume on November 12.

Former minister of public enterprises Barbara Hogan and Minister Pravin Gordhan are expected to provide their testimony.

KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

- FOLLOW News24 on Twitter

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Can radio hosts and media personalities be apolitical?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, impartiality is key for public trust
32% - 459 votes
No, let's be real, we all have inherent biases
68% - 977 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.29
-0.7%
Rand - Pound
23.87
-1.1%
Rand - Euro
20.58
-1.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.38
-1.1%
Rand - Yen
0.12
-1.2%
Platinum
943.50
+0.0%
Palladium
1,034.50
-0.1%
Gold
2,391.84
+0.0%
Silver
28.68
+0.0%
Brent Crude
87.29
+0.2%
Top 40
67,314
+0.2%
All Share
73,364
+0.1%
Resource 10
63,285
-0.0%
Industrial 25
98,701
+0.3%
Financial 15
15,499
+0.1%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE