Jacob Zuma Defends Visiting Hindu Temple With Gupta Brother in India

• Jacob Zuma defends the Gupta family during a visit to India amid extradition efforts
• Zuma dismisses corruption allegations, claiming political targeting by South African authorities
• Concerns arise over Zuma's potential financial ties to the Gupta family for political funding

INDIA— Former president Jacob Zuma openly defended the controversial Gupta family during a private visit to India, defying South Africa’s ongoing judicial efforts to extradite the fugitive brothers. His comments follow a highly reported public appearance alongside corruption-accused Ajay Gupta at a Hindu temple in Uttarakhand.

According to state capture reports, South Africa has repeatedly attempted to extradite the Gupta brothers to face severe charges of fraud, bribery, and money laundering. The controversial family fled to the United Arab Emirates in 2018 after Zuma left office, and despite the UAE rejecting a formal extradition request on legal technicalities, the National Prosecuting Authority continues to pursue the high-profile criminal case actively.

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Zuma told Indian media reporters in Haridwar that South African authorities targeted the family simply because they opposed the work he did with them. He described Ajay Gupta as his brother and friend, stating that the local government elections would be successful due to the inspiration and spiritual power he received during this specific trip.

Political analysts note that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) refused to comment on the private travel arrangements details. They suggest the visit signals that old relations persist, raising concerns that Zuma might be seeking financial backing from the Guptas to fund the MK Party's upcoming election campaigns. The Zondo Commission previously concluded that the family exerted extraordinary influence over state procurement and cabinet appointments during Zuma's presidency.

ANC Condemns Zuma’s Meeting with Fugitive Ajay Gupta

Briefly News also reported that ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula fiercely criticised former President Jacob Zuma for meeting with fugitive businessman Ajay Gupta in Haridwar, India. Zuma, leader of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, attended a Hindu temple ceremony where he publicly called Gupta a "brother and friend."

The Guptas, who fled South Africa in 2018, face massive corruption and state capture allegations stemming from Zuma's presidency. Mbalula slammed the meeting on social media as an insult to South African law enforcement, arguing that Zuma should assist the government in locating the fugitives rather than celebrating with them.

Source: Briefly News