Zondo inquiry raid on Gupta-linked businessman was unlawful, says judge

The commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Picture: Karen Sandison/African News Agency(ANA)

Johannesburg - The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture abused its powers when it raided and seized - without a court order - control of safe deposit boxes belonging to a Joburg businessman on suspicion that he received a R50million bribe from Gupta linked companies.

This is according to the South Gauteng High Court which ruled in favour of Kubentheran Moodley on August 21

The Zondo commission subsequently appealed the ruling and lost last week. In her ruling on August 21, Judge Lebogang Modiba found that the commission’s investigators “exceeded their authority” when they accessed Moodley’s rented safe deposit boxes at the state of the art security facility in Houghton Estate, known as Knox Titanium Vault Company, on June 24.

This came after they raided and took control of Moodley’s boxes as part of their investigation into alleged state capture.

The Zondo commission was set up by former president Jacob Zuma to probe allegations of corruption after the release of the State of Capture Report by former public protector Thuli Madonsela.