Mines, motors and millions captured by family exposed

THE Gupta empire, believed to have been built with stolen South African tax money, is collapsing with at least eight Gupta-linked companies filing for business rescue this week, according to the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa).

The organisation said the affected companies included Optimum Coal Mine, Tegeta Exploration and Resources, Shiva Uranium and Confident Concept, according to records they found with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Optimum Coal Mine workers downed tools on Wednesday demanding to be paid their salaries after the company cited bank challenges after the Bank of Baroda announced that it would no longer do business in South Africa.

The mine’s chief executive, George van der Merwe, confirmed to striking workers this week that the business was facing dire financial strain and was in desperate need of rescue. Workers at the coal mine demanded to know who the rescue practitioner was and the chances of saving the company.

The Mpumalanga mineworkers are not the only employees concerned about their jobs as Gupta-owned Optimum Coal Terminal, Koornfontein Mines, Islandsite Investments One Hundred and Eighty and VR Laser Services also filed for business rescue with the CIPC, according to Outa. The mines form the core of the Gupta empire and are crucial for providing coal to keep two Eskom power stations running, and ensuring energy security. The business rescue practitioners will be crucial in ensuring the future of the mines. “Those involved in state capture must all go to jail. Not only are they stealing tax money, they are ruining the lives of good people,” said Outa’s chief operations officer Ben Theron.

“Outa sympathises with the hundreds of employees and their families who now face an uncertain future. Every effort should be made