Atul challenges freezing of R10m

AJAY Gupta’s brother, Atul, is challenging a court order freezing R10-million in his bank account.

Atul was in Dubai on February 8 when he signed his affidavit challenging the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA’s) asset forfeiture unit from freezing the R10-million.

His affidavit was signed at the South African Consulate in Dubai.

“I wish to state at the outset that I am currently outside South Africa‚” Atul said.

“This affidavit is prepared in extreme haste as I was only able to give factual instruction on February 7 2018.”

Atul filed the notice of motion at the Bloemfontein High Court.

NPA spokesman Luvuyo Mfaku said the matter had been set down for a hearing on March 1.

He said the NPA would oppose the matter.

The Hawks are looking for both Ajay and Atul after raiding their home in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, last week.

The R10-million in question relates to the Estina Dairy Project in Vrede‚ Free State, which was established in partnership with Gupta-linked company Estina.

A total of R220-million meant to benefit poor farmers was allegedly siphoned off from Estina to the Guptas and others. It was adopted by the provincial government without a tender.

The asset forfeiture unit said in court papers that only R2-million had been spent on the farm.

Estina then allegedly transferred money to various individuals‚ including R10-million to Atul.

Atul says in his court papers that he is not opposed to the preservation order of the farm Krynaauws Lust 275 close to Vrede.

He also denies receiving R10-million from the project.

“I categorically deny any such transfer into any bank account owned or operated by me,” he says.

“In addition‚ having regard to what I set out in this affidavit‚ it is clear that the order ought to be set aside.” – TimesLIVE