It's possible state capture by Guptas wasn't picked up, Ramaphosa says
How was it possible for grand-scale looting by the Guptas to go unnoticed for years?
That's one of the questions posed to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the State Capture Commission.
He's returned on Thursday morning to continue testifying, this time in his capacity as the country's President.
Evidence leader, Anton Myburgh said according to the evidence before them, state contracts to the value of R57 billion were awarded to companies with links to the controversial Gupta family.
READ: Ramaphosa: I had no knowledge of Gigaba, Gupta relations
More than half of them were awarded by Transnet.
"If that evidence is accepted by the chairperson, you have grand-scale looting having occurred by the Guptas at Transnet and I just want to ask you this, Mr President.
"There are no doubt people that were complicit and my question is for those people that weren't complicit, how is it possible that this was not identified.
"This grand-scale looting that it's clear it was a programme. It went on for a number of years and the Guptas literally didn't miss an opportunity. How is it possible this happened in the light of day? It was coordinated literally a few kilometres up the road."
Ramaphosa says it is possible that it wasn't picked up.
"Chairperson, it is possible and considerable in a state capture type of environment where the capture of the state goes through, if you like, a number of structures and where those who will then put everything into action.
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"You've got protection. They gave got their connections. They have got access and made sure that people who are going to implement this also are appointed people, so it is considerable."
