Lamola orders probe after SA diplomat joins Zuma’s India reunion with fugitive Ajay Gupta
South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, faces an investigation into his appearance at an event with former president Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta. Sources, however, say the diplomat was blindsided by Gupta’s appearance. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has ordered an internal investigation by his department into why South Africa’s High […] The post Lamola orders probe after SA diplomat joins Zuma’s India reunion with fugitive Ajay Gupta appeared first
South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, faces an investigation into his appearance at an event with former president Jacob Zuma and Ajay Gupta. Sources, however, say the diplomat was blindsided by Gupta’s appearance.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has ordered an internal investigation by his department into why South Africa’s High Commissioner to India Anil Sooklal appeared at an event with former President Jacob Zuma and State Capture-implicated businessman Ajay Gupta in Haridwar, India, last week.
Lamola’s spokesperson Chrispin Phiri confirmed this to Daily Maverick on Thursday, 2 July 2026.
Photos have appeared in Indian news media showing Zuma, Sooklal and Gupta standing alongside Swami Kailashanand Giri at a prayer meeting at the Sidipeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar on Friday, 26 June.
Democratic Alliance international relations spokesperson Ryan Smith said he had submitted parliamentary questions to Lamola “to determine why the South African High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, rolled out the red carpet for former president, Jacob Zuma, and State Capture-accused, Ajay Gupta, upon a visit to India this week.
