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Under fire Guptas leave South Africa

Monday April 11 2016
guptas

Atul Gupta (left) and Ajay Gupta. The beleaguered Gupta family has left South Africa for Dubai following weeks of pressure over their relationship with President Jacob Zuma. PHOTO | BBC

The beleaguered Gupta family has left South Africa for Dubai following weeks of pressure over their relationship with President Jacob Zuma.

The Gupta brothers were recently fingered in state capture allegations in which they were accused of influencing President Zuma on appointing key Cabinet ministers.

The wealthy Indian family was also accused of having unduly benefitted from government business because of their close ties with the president.

Some employees of their company, Oakbay Investments, were notified by management on Sunday about their departure.

A memo sent out to all employees read: "We have come to the conclusion that it is time for the Gupta family to step down from all executive and non-executive positions. In doing this, the family hopes to end the campaign against Oakbay and save all of our jobs."

According to reports, the Gupta brothers, Atul and Ajay, left with enough luggage for 20 people.

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They left in their private jet from Lanseria airport‚ near Johannesburg.

It has also been reported that their Saxonwold residence in Johannesburg was deserted.

A third brother lives in Dubai.

The Guptas resigned from their company on Friday, but indications were that they remained the main shareholders.

President Zuma's son, Duduzane, also resigned as a non-executive director of Shiva Uranium, one of the Guptas businesses.

Reports say the resignations were prompted by the need to appoint new bankers and auditors after Absa‚ FNB‚ Sasfin and auditors KPMG withdrew their services.

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