The key Gupta associate, Iqbal Sharma, spent the weekend in police custody in Bloemfontein’s Bainsvlei police station, TimesLive reports.
Sharma, along with Peter Thabethe, the former head of department of the Free State agriculture department, made their first court appearance on Thursday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate (ID) spokesperson, Sindisiwe Seboka, said that the pair and their 13 co-accused face charges relating to the Free State agriculture department.
According to News24, the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court is expected to hear the bail application of Sharma on Monday. The 54-year-old was charged with fraud and money laundering, and was arrested in connection with the failed R288 million Estina dairy project in Vrede, News24 adds.
The NPA said it would oppose bail, reports IOL.
On Friday, ID confirmed the seizure of properties and assets belonging to Sharma, and a restraint order was granted by the Bloemfontein High Court to freeze Sharma’s assets.
Picture: Supplied