The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has cleared South African High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal of any wrongdoing linked to former president Jacob Zuma’s recent visit to the country.
Sooklal came under scrutiny after photographs surfaced showing him alongside Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta, who has been implicated in allegations surrounding state capture during Zuma’s presidency.
The images prompted Dirco to investigate the circumstances surrounding the visit, which reportedly took place in late June.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said information obtained from the South African High Commission in New Delhi showed that the mission had neither arranged nor facilitated any private meetings involving Zuma and Gupta.
Dirco said the assistance provided to Zuma, including protocol and logistical support, was in line with established arrangements available to former South African presidents through official channels.
The department also investigated Sooklal’s attendance at a religious gathering in Haridwar, where Gupta was reportedly among approximately 1,000 guests.
Dirco said Sooklal attended the event in his official capacity as head of mission after receiving a separate invitation from the organisers.
“Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, the High Commissioner attended in his capacity as Head of Mission, following a separate invitation from host organisers,” the department said.
According to Dirco, Sooklal did not accompany Zuma or Gupta to the event and did not have any direct interaction with Gupta.
“Although Mr Gupta was present among approximately 1,000 invited guests, the High Commissioner reported no direct interaction with him,” the department said.
Dirco said the investigation had therefore found no evidence that Sooklal was involved in arranging or facilitating private engagements between Zuma and Gupta.
The department’s findings effectively clear the high commissioner of allegations that he assisted in organising meetings between the former president and Gupta during Zuma’s visit to India.