WATCH | Justice Dept speaks on failed Gupta extradition

• Editor's Note: This article has been updated

JOHANNESBURG - "A dismal attempt at cooperation," that's what the Justice Department has called the United Arab Emirates' failure to timely communicate the decision to deny the extradition request for the Gupta brothers.

READ: Gupta Extradition | SA considers appealing court decision

They say had they not physically gone to the house of the UAE ambassador to collect the communication, the country would probably still be in the dark about the decision.

According to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola South Africans are being denied justice

Lamola says he was caught off guard and is shocked by the decision.

Justice Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri says they have requested a meeting with UAE authorities to explain their lack of diplomatic communication.