The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Wednesday that it is acting in full compliance with domestic and international legal obligations in the extradition of Atul and Rajesh Gupta to South Africa.

The Gupta brothers fled the country as news surfaced during the State Capture Commission, led by Justice Raymond Zondo, that they had allegedly looted State funds under the Jacob Zuma administration, dubbed the “nine wasted years”.

The brothers were arrested as a result of an Interpol Red Notice issued at the request of the South African government earlier this year.

The NPA explained that it is on track to finalise the process of extradition in close consultation with relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Interpol.

“The diplomatic and political aspects are being dealt with in parallel by our colleagues in the Ministry, the Department of Justice and Department of International Relations and Cooperation,” the NPA said.

It has also submitted requests for provisional arrest warrants for the Gupta brothers, which the NPA said was a formality that needed to be complied with.

In terms of the extradition treaty between South Africa and the UAE, South Africa has 60 days from the date of arrest to submit the formal extradition application.

The NPA leadership expressed confidence in its team of experienced and highly skilled prosecutors working on the legal aspects of the Gupta extradition process.

“We have previously explained why we will not be commenting on the legal dimensions of the case at this early stage, and this remains our position for important legal and case-specific reasons. However, we note with concern the widespread misinformation and speculation about how the NPA and its leadership are handling this complex legal process. While we recognise the public interest in this matter, we must focus on delivering on our constitutional mandate and responsibilities without distraction, and without fear or favour,” it said.