• Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.
BLOEMFONTEIN - The Hawks has served warrants of arrest on 13 people linked to the Estina Dairy scandal, including members of the Gupta family.
Two are still being sought, with eight already arrested.
Seven people appeared in the Bloemfontein regional court on Thursday.
They will face charges linked to the R220-million Estina Dairy Project scandal.
#EstinaDairyProject accused include Mbana Peter Thabathe ( HoD of Free State agriculture dept) Varum Gupta, Ashu Chalwa, Ronica Ragavan, Nazeem Howa pic.twitter.com/KWZFDQioGH
— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) February 15, 2018
READ: Five, including members of the Gupta family to appear in court
Three suspects are reportedly outside the country, and arrangements are being made to ensure they stand trial.
No names have been released, but the priority crime investigative unit is expected to name the two still being sought locally.
The Estina project allegedly saw hundreds of millions of rand meant for poor black farmers, being redirected to Gupta family and business bank accounts.
Police Ministry says Hawks will "soon be naming" the two #EstinaDairyProject suspects that are being sought locally.
— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) February 15, 2018
They are seeking assistance to ensure Indian and Chinese suspects - currently overseas - will stand trial.
STATEMENT:
— Min of Police: Mr Fearfokkol (@MbalulaFikile) February 15, 2018
Hawks working with the NPA in the so-called ‘State of Capture’ investigations commenced to serve warrants of arrests on thirteen (13) suspects yesterday in Bloemfontien and Johannesburg relating to the Vrede Dairy Project. pic.twitter.com/xLeHzT3JtQ
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