NATIONAL NEWS - South African businessman Justin van Pletzen, who had an encounter with Ajay Gupta last Wednesday at an office block in Dubai, has reportedly been arrested.

The department of international relations and cooperation (Dirco) spokesperson Ndivhuwo Mabaya told Jacaranda FM that the department was notified of Van Pletzen’s arrest.

Mabaya said Van Pletzen was arrested yesterday, but he said Dirco was not aware why the businessman was arrested.

“It is possible that he has been arrested for something else except confronting Mr Ajay Gupta,” he said.

When Van Pletzen confronted Gupta, he had asked the fugitive when he would return to South Africa to answer to state capture allegations.

Gupta’s reply was that he would cooperate with law enforcement agencies once they “give him a reply”.

“They’re not giving a reply. The day they give a reply, I’ll go there,” Ajay said at the time.

Acting Hawks head Yolisa Matakata announced in February a warrant of arrest for Gupta had been issued related to corruption.

Mabaya told the radio station that South Africa’s ambassador to Dubai would pay a visit to Van Pletzen this morning and that from there, the exact reason for the businessman’s arrest would be determined.

Read more on the Caxton publication, The Citizen.