Massive email leak further fuels 'cosy' Gupta family Zuma ties

A series of potentially damaging emails have been made public in South Africa, revealing how the Gupta family received more than $400 million in bribes.

The influential family with links to President Jacob Zuma were said to be paid millions of dollars by the public railway company through a tender for the purchase of locomotives.

The emails also revealed the extent of the ties between the powerful family and Zuma as well as the influence they wielded.

The publication also suggested that the ruling ANC no longer controls the state apparatus. Other emails published by local press say Zuma was offered settlement residence in Dubai when he leaves office.

In one of the letters addressed to the royal family of Abu Dhabi, visas were requested to allow Zuma reside in the United Arab Emirates.

#GuptaLeaks: The R331m Dubai mansion https://t.co/2soh2pxSdB pic.twitter.com/4B0Ncpcnjl

— Eyewitness News (@ewnupdates) June 1, 2017

A government spokesman has denied the claims, calling them lies. The hashtag #GuptaLeaks has been trending in South Africa since the news broke.

Paid twitter right now after hearing that their names are in #GuptaLeaks pic.twitter.com/Xdl77RlAsv

— IG: AdvBarryRoux (AdvBarryRoux) June 1, 2017

Holy Covfefe, reading these #Guptaleaks like…. pic.twitter.com/ulWFyuG37k

— Ryan Cummings (@Pol_Sec_Analyst) June 1, 2017

Dear ANC, Zuma & Guptas,

Stop treating us like mushrooms. Keeping us in the dark and feeding us sh*t! 💩#GuptaLeaks #StateCapture pic.twitter.com/gdrIb3IrvG

— Leandri J van Vuuren (@Lean3JvV) June 1, 2017

#GuptaLeaks Hacked; illigal; leaked…we dont care keep them coming.By the end of 2 weeks the ANC will be forced to say somethin.Not Mantash pic.twitter.com/cC4WpF2xbX

— Puuuty (@Puuuty2) June 1, 2017