South African Expat Justin Van Pletzen Detained in Dubai After Gupta Viral Video!
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed the detention of South African citizen, Justin Van Pletzen, in Dubai. In a statement on Wednesday, the department said it has received confirmation from the South African Consulate-General in Dubai that the South African expat – who has been living in the United […]
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed the detention of South African citizen, Justin Van Pletzen, in Dubai.
In a statement on Wednesday, the department said it has received confirmation from the South African Consulate-General in Dubai that the South African expat – who has been living in the United Arab Emirates city since 2016 – has been detained.
“It is alleged that Mr Van Pletzen’s arrest is linked to a video he recently circulated about Mr Ajay Gupta whom he met in Dubai. However, this is yet to be confirmed by the local authorities.
“Consular staff from the mission in Dubai did visit Mr Van Pletzen today and DIRCO will maintain contact with Mr van Pletzen and his family to render consular services,” said the department.
The department said it was unable to provide further details on the nature of the charges and on the date of Van Pletzen’s court appearance.
Van Pletzen (39) confronted Gupta – one of South Africa’s most wanted fugitives – earlier this month.
Many South Africans were hoping the video would lead to the arrest of Ajay Gupta, who is at the centre of SA’s State of Capture debacle… and not to the detention of the passionate South African who dared ask: “When are you going to return to South Africa and face the charges?”
Van Pletzen did tell reporters at the time that he restrained himself from physically attacking Gupta as the Dubai laws are so strict, and security guards were standing nearby.
Sources: SANews.gov.za