By Prinesha Naidoo
South Africa sold three multimillion-rand mansions tied to the corruption-tainted Gupta brothers for about 46% below their municipal value.
The properties fetched about R34.5 million ($1.9 million), including commissions and taxes, Park Village Auctions said Tuesday.
They have separate title deeds, are in a state of disrepair, and have a combined municipal value of about R64 million.
The homes in Saxonwold, one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most affluent neighbourhoods, once belonged to Atul, Rajesh and Ajay Gupta, influential India-born businessmen accused of orchestrating a vast corruption network that triggered the country’s worst political and economic crisis since the end of apartheid.
The private sale followed a public auction of the properties — featuring an indoor pool, mini cricket pitch and beauty parlour — that failed to attract much interest last month, when auctioneers provisionally accepted only one bid for the smallest home.
Proceeds from the sale will help
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