Elite police raid home of family linked to Jacob Zuma amid corruption scandals
The Guptas are suspected of using ties to President Zuma to influence cabinet positions and land state contracts in South Africa.
Wednesday 14 February 2018 10:40, UK
Police in South Africa have raided the home of a business family linked to the President.
The Guptas are suspected of using their ties with Jacob Zuma to influence cabinet positions and land state contracts.
Elite officers from the Hawks entered the Gupta compound in Saxondale, Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
Police described the area as a "crime scene".
According to South African Broadcasting Corporation, three people were arrested in operations at various addresses.
:: President Jacob Zuma's future unclear as ANC appoints new leader
Both the Guptas and Mr Zuma deny any wrongdoing.
Hawks spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said the raid was part of a probe into influence peddling allegations.
He added: "We're not playing around in terms of making sure that those who are responsible in the so-called state capture, they take responsibility for it."
He did not give details of what was seized at the home.
As the raid was carried out, Tessa Turvey, head of the residents' association, said: "Finally something is being done about it. These guys must get out of our country. They must leave us alone. They have done enough damage."
It comes after the ruling party, the African National Congress, told Mr Zuma to resign on Tuesday, following a series of scandals.
A judicial commission will investigate the alleged corruption associated with the Gupta brothers, who moved to South Africa from India in the 1990s.
Mr Zuma's son, Duduzane, had a business relationship with the Guptas.
The President has not yet responded to his party's announcement that he must leave office, despite the ANC selecting his successor.
The party is desperately trying to resolve the leadership crisis and bounce back in popularity, having suffered a dip when the scandals emerged.
South Africa's chief prosecutor is expected to make a decision on whether Mr Zuma should face old charges of corruption tied to an arms deal two decades ago.
They were reinstated last year having been thrown out in 2009.
The country's top court also ruled in 2016 that Mr Zuma had violated the constitution when he used state funds to pay for multi-million dollar upgrades to his private home. He repaid some of the money.
The ANC is expecting a statement from Mr Zuma today, but the President's office denied there had been a communication of a special briefing.
Deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa is ready to take over from Mr Zuma.