South Africa police launch graft probe against Zuma's son, Guptas

A corruption probe has been launched into the long-standing speculation between the son of South Africa’s president, Duduzane Zuma and the Guptas.

The Guptas, a family of businessmen accused of wielding improper political influence, and their relationship with Zuma has been a source of controversy for years.

Documents have shown Zuma’s son, Duduzane, is a director – along with Gupta family members – of at least six companies.

A spokesman for the elite ‘Hawks’ police unit said it would investigate the graft allegations after a complaint was made by the Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s main opposition party.

“We have received the docket in the matter between the DA and the Guptas and we are to investigate it,” the spokesperson told a local South Africa radio station.

The Guptas, whose businesses stretch from media to mining, have denied the allegations and say they are pawns in a plot to oust Zuma.

Officials of the ruling party, ANC, said last Sunday they had full confidence in Zuma but would investigate the allegations by senior politicians.

Zuma has acknowledged the Guptas are his friends but denies anything shady or improper.