State Capture Inquiry: Former Denel CEO recalls meeting with Guptas, Gigaba
The state capture inquiry has heard that former the Group CEO of Denel was taken to the home of the Guptas where he was introduced to the then Public Enterprises Minister, Malusi Gigaba.
Riaz Saloojee says he was taken to the meeting by Gupta associate, Salim Essa, and that the meeting took place six months after his appointment at the arms manufacturer.
He says after arriving at the Guptas' Saxonwold compound, Tony Gupta took him to another room where another Gupta brother and Gigaba were waiting.
"He doesn't say who the brother is. He just said this is my brother. The brother greets me and then turns around - in the room there was Minister Malusi Gigaba. He says to Minister Gigaba - this is the new CEO of Denel, Riaz. And all Minister Gigaba said was hello, how are you Riaz. There was no discussion about Denel or anything of that sort. It was just an introduction and if I recall - Minister Gigaba said these are my friends." Gupta said.
Saloojee says he interpreted the meeting as a display of the influence the Gupta family had.
