'Guptas knew of Nene's removal prior to Cabinet reshuffle'
Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene, has spoken of the moment rumours of his axing were confirmed to him.
He's been testifying at the state capture commission of inquiry.
He says then Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, gave him a call after his alleged meeting with the Guptas in 2015 - where they apparently offered him the finance minister position and a bribe.
Nene says he'd been on his way to KZN and suggested they meet once he's back in Gauteng.
He says they met at Jonas' office and spoke on the balcony, in case there were devices planted.
"I could see that he was flustered - he informed me of an uncomfortable meeting he had with Mr. Ajay Gupta, Mr. Fana Hlongwane and Mr. Duduzane Zuma in Saxonwold. He then told me that during that meeting, he was offered a position that I was holding at the time that of Minister of Finance," Nene said.
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Nene says the Guptas had bragged to Jonas about the hold they had on government.
"At that stage, there were already rumours circulating in the media about an imminent Cabinet reshuffle. My name was among the ministers who were reported to be due for removal.
"I had paid these rumours no regard. Mr. Jonas then informed me that the Guptas were aware of this intended reshuffle and that they had informed him that they were influential in the removal of certain ministers from their positions," he said.