Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services spokesperson Chrispin Phiri has confirmed the arrests of fugitives Atul and Rajesh Gupta in Dubai, with discussions between law enforcement agencies ongoing.

Interpol issued a red notice for the two brothers earlier this year.

The Justice department said it had received information from United Arab Emirates (UAE) law enforcement authorities that the brothers were arrested last Friday.

The brothers fled South Africa to Dubai following Jacob Zuma’s recall as President in 2018.

The government has said at least R500-billion was stolen during Zuma’s nine-year presidency.

“Discussions between various law enforcement agencies in the UAE and South Africa on the way forward are ongoing. The South African government will continue to cooperate with the UAE,” Phiri said.

Democratic Alliance national spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube said the party hopes that this is the start of arrests and prosecution of those who have looted the country.

Gwarube said transparency is necessary in this matter.

ActionSA president Herman Mashaba said his party was optimistic that the Guptas would be extradited back to South Africa and that evidence against others involved in State capture would be uncovered.

Mashaba further added that it would, however, also be cautious about the developments.