Zuma corruption claims: South Africa state capture inquiry opens

Jacob Zuma Image copyright AFP Symbol caption Ex-President Jacob Zuma is accused of allowing a rich trade circle of relatives to influence political choices

A public inquiry in South Africa has started investigating alleged corruption by means of ex-President Jacob Zuma.

The inquiry is asking into “state capture”, the place the wealthy Gupta family is accused of trying to persuade political selections, together with the naming of ministers.

Accusations of graft dogged Mr Zuma’s presidency ahead of he was pressured to step down in February.

The former president and the Gupta circle of relatives deny any wrongdoing.

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Establishing the inquiry, fee head Deputy Leader Justice Ray Zondo appealed for South Africans to share what they realize.

Symbol caption In 2016, lots marched in the capital, Pretoria, calling for Mr Zuma to step down over the graft allegations

Mr Zuma used to be ordered to set up the commission by way of the high courtroom last December following a file through the public protector, South Africa’s anti-graft body.

It had discovered proof of conceivable corruption on the top level of his government.

One of the allegations is that in 2015 then-Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas used to be presented 600m rand ($41m; £32m) by way of businessman Ajay Gupta if he accepted the put up of finance minister.

Mr Jonas is expected to be among the first witnesses to offer proof.

The inquiry, referred to as the Zondo Fee, doesn’t have powers to prosecute but the evidence it collects will also be utilized in any future prosecution.

it will absorb to 2 years to free up its findings.

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