#PanamaPapers: What you need to know
Following the historic leak of Panama Papers, South Africa's National Treasury says an investigation will be launched into whether citizens have transferred funds illegally into offshore accounts. Here's what you need to know about the files.
About 140 globally influential figures - 12 of which are current or former world leaders - were implicated following a leak of 11.5-million files claiming to reveal hidden off-shore assets.
Here are answers to questions on what exactly are the Panama Papers.
How were the documents obtained?
It is reported the files were handed to a German publication by an anonymous source which was then made available to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. According to the Guardian, 2.6 terabytes of information was taken from the databases of Panama-based law firm, Mossack Fonseca.
Who has been implicated?
The list includes around 140 power players - including 12 current or former heads of state along with celebrities in sports and show business. They go from a close confidant of Russian President Vladimir Putin to relatives of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The documents also include information that link Khulubuse Zuma to two companies that acquired oil-fields in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His spokesperson, Vuyo Mkhize, has refuted the claims. Celebrities such as film star Jackie Chan and footballer Lionel Messi have also been named.
What is the ICIJ?
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists is a group of 190 journalists spanning more than 65 countries that work to root out cross-border crime, corruption and abuse of power. The collective is responsible for distributing 11.5 million documents that expose the secret offshore financial dealings. The journalists say this may be the biggest leak of inside information in history.
(File photo)