South African diplomat investigated after photo shows link to Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta

A photograph that emerged last week showing South Africa’s High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, alongside former President Jacob Zuma and businessman Ajay Gupta has prompted a formal investigation. The image, which circulated on social media and in several news outlets, has raised concerns about the diplomat’s connections to figures linked to the country’s “State Capture” scandal.

In response, Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola has ordered an internal inquiry into Sooklal’s conduct. The report will examine the circumstances of the meeting and assess whether any protocols were breached. The Gupta family, whose business dealings were central to the State Capture allegations during Zuma’s presidency, remains a focal point of scrutiny in the investigation.

The inquiry is expected to clarify the nature of the relationship between the diplomat and the former president and businessman, and to determine whether any policy or ethical breaches occurred. The outcome will be reported to Parliament and could influence future diplomatic appointments and oversight of South Africa’s foreign service.