NPA ID Vows to Reinstate Estina Dairy Farm Case Following Court Decision

The court's decision came in response to a defense application citing issues with accessing electronic versions of Gupta leaked emails, which are central to the case.

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) has pledged to reinstate the Estina dairy farm case "as soon as possible," after the Free State High Court struck the matter off the court roll. The court's decision came in response to a defense application citing issues with accessing electronic versions of Gupta leaked emails, which are central to the case.

Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, spokesperson for the NPA, clarified that the defense had been provided with hard copies of the Gupta emails in early 2023, and the electronic versions were made available on 15 June 2024. Additionally, the State had offered technical support to assist the defense with any issues accessing the digital platform.

"The State has been ready to proceed with the case since the trial date of 5 August 2024," Mhaga stated. "Witnesses were prepared to testify, and the ID team had been guided by external Senior Counsel who diligently worked on the Gupta evidence and disclosures."

Despite the setback, Mhaga emphasized that the NPA remains committed to pursuing the case. "The NPA will reflect further on today's decision but remains undeterred. We will take all necessary steps to reinstate the matter and continue with the prosecution," he concluded.