Law enforcement agencies of the United Arab Emirates and South Africa are plotting the way forward after the arrests of two members of the Gupta’s.

Atul and Rejesh were detained in Dubai months after a red Interpol notice was issued for them. The brothers are wanted for alleged graft, fraud and money laundering. It relates to the nearly R25 million Nulane Investment case as well their alleged contribution to state capture under the Zuma administration.

The National Prosecuting Authority had applied to the international criminal police organisation to assist with the execution of arrest warrants of the Guptas after the business family fled South Africa.

Almost a year ago Pretoria and Abu Dhabi finalised an extradition treaty, paving the way for their return. But government warned at the time of this ratification that the extradition could take time as it anticipates a lengthy legal battle.

Meanwhile opposition parties have welcomed the Gupta arrests.

DA spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube says they hope that it’s the beginning of the prosecution of those both locally and abroad who were involved in the looting of the public purse and responsible for the hardship millions of South Africans face today.

The Good party says the arrests are an important opportunity for the prosecuting authority to restore the faith of South Africans in the criminal justice system. However, it cautioned against the linking of the timing of the criminal complaint against President Cyril Ramaphosa and the arrest announcement. The party says that South Africa must guard against the criminal justice system falling prey to political or factional duelling.

A cloud is hanging over President Ramaphosa as more questions have been raised about the 2020 theft of foreign currency from his Phala Phala farm in Limpopo. It has been stated that 4-million US dollars was taken but the president has been mum on the figure – only confirming the robbery. No case was opened with the police.