Gupta-linked thugs threatened me, reveals UK PR body boss

EDINBURGH — Much of the focus on state capture has been on the flow of funds from South African taxpayers to the Gupta and Zuma families and friends. But, there is also a sinister side to this political scandal, including threats to people's safety. The boss of UK public relations body PRCA has revealed that he was subjected to intimidation attempts and even had South African heavies "visiting" him during an investigation into the role of London-headquartered PR agency Bell Pottinger in corruption and state capture. Bell Pottinger was instructed by Jacob Zuma's son, Duduzane, to carry out a propaganda campaign to incite animosity against white people and drum up support for the Zuma camp in the ANC. At the same time, Bell Pottinger worked for the South African tourism authority on a project to promote the country. Bell Pottinger collapsed after its clients dumped it en masse following revelations about its dirty deeds in South Africa. – Jackie Cameron

By Thulasizwe Sithole

PRCA director general Francis Ingham was the target of threats of violence, including home visits from South African thugs, over several months during the body's investigation into Bell Pottinger a year ago.

He revealed this in the latest edition of PRWeek in an article in which he reflected on the professional practices committee's decision to expel London-headquartered Bell Pottinger for its role in state capture in South Africa.

Ingham said he received threats over a sustained period.

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