Zwane shrugs off MPs questions

A DEFIANT Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has brushed off allegations that he is captured, defending his decision to meet with the Gupta family.

Zwane appeared before parliament’s mineral resources oversight committee yesterday to answer questions on allegations of state capture and his personal involvement.

He faced a string of questions from MPs on his personal relationship with the Guptas, his trips abroad to facilitate the sale of Optimum Coal to Gupta-owned Tegeta, as well as the failed Vrede farm project during his time as an MEC in the Free State.

While Zwane didn’t deny reports that he travelled to Dubai and Switzerland to facilitate the sale of Optimum Coal to Gupta-owned Tegeta, he said there was nothing untoward – it was all state business and mining companies were his “clients”.

He instead asked the committee why its members were only interested in the Gupta family.

An almost flippant Zwane appeared dismissive of questions put to him by MPs, asking the committee, “am I under investigation?”

He called for specifics, saying the letter from parliament was vague.

“We have to deal with facts, leave fictions and rumours and allegations. As honourable members, we should be honourable enough to deal with facts, not media allegations. Specifically what are the questions I need to answer related to this issue of state capture so that I know,” Zwane said.

Charges of high treason‚ extortion‚ corruption‚ fraud and theft have been laid against Zwane by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa).

The charges relate to Zwane’s alleged role in helping the Gupta family to acquire the Optimum Coal Mine.

Zwane is also accused of allegedly channelling money from the Free State Vrede Dairy Farm project to fund the Guptas’ niece’s wedding. — DDC