Home Affairs DG dismisses personal ties to Guptas

Home Affairs DG dismisses personal ties to Guptas

Home Affairs Director-General Mkuseli Apleni has made it clear that he didn't accept a bribe in exchange for the Gupta family's South African citizenship. 

Home Affairs DG Mkuseli Apleni
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Mkuseli Apleni was speaking in parliament yesterday where former home affairs minister, Malusi Gigaba was expected to explain the "naturalisation" of some members the controversial family.

Gigaba however was a no-show - leaving Apleni to address the issue.  

Earlier this month, the EFF said that Gigaba waived the residential requirements for the applications of Ajay Gupta, his wife and other family members, for naturalisation and granted it to them early.  

ALSO READ: Home Affairs DG explains Gupta citizenship to Parliament

Apleni says the department can't reject an application for "naturalisation" based on rumours about an applicant. 

"This is a democratic country. I can't just reject your application where people are implicated on emails and all that. That can't be the basis of a department which has been given a statutory mandate. I've never had any business with the Guptas or received any gifts from them. Nothing, "he said. 

Meanwhile civil action group, OUTA says it'll present its plan to Parliament aimed at tackling state capture.  

It says the document will be released to MPs ahead of the vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma. 

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