I never spoke to Jonas about any bribe, says Tony Gupta

Rajesh “Tony” Gupta has identified himself as the only Gupta brother who was at the family’s Saxonwold home when former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas claims he was the target of an attempted R600m bribe by the family – but insists he never even spoke to him.

Rajesh also insists he only briefly walked into the room where Jonas was meeting former president Jacob Zuma’s son‚ Duduzane‚ and controversial arms deal adviser Fana Hlongwane.

He did so‚ he said‚ to check on Duduzane’s availability for the following day.

“I did not introduce myself to anybody‚ nor did I participate in that meeting,” Rajesh stated in an affidavit‚ which was filed as part of his failed application to cross-examine Jonas at the ongoing state capture commission of inquiry.

“I did not have any discussion with Mr Jonas at all.”

His revelations cast further doubt on the unspecified arrest warrant issued against Ajay Gupta earlier this year.

The warrant is understood to have been obtained in relation to the corruption claims made against Ajay by Jonas in the State of Capture report released by then public protector Thuli Madonsela.

It was on the basis of that arrest warrant that Ajay was declared a fugitive from justice.

According to Ajay‚ his lawyers have repeatedly tried to ascertain from the Hawks what he is wanted for.

This “lack of transparency”‚ he said‚ was a key reason why he did not trust the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority‚ and would not return to SA to give evidence to the Zondo commission.