Johannesburg 14 Feb (ANA) - South Africa's elite police unit has raided the controversial Gupta business family's home, as pressure increases on President Jacob Zuma to resign. Three arrests have been made, including one Gupta brother, local media report. Police say two other people are expected to hand themselves in.

 

It comes as Mr Zuma's own party gave him until the end of the day to stand down, or face a no-confidence vote. His links to the Guptas are one of the reasons he is being forced to resign. The family has been accused using their close friendship with Mr Zuma to wield enormous political influence. The Guptas and Mr Zuma all deny the allegations.

 

The president was expected to respond on Thursday to a formal request from the African National Congress (ANC) to step down. However, the situation has escalated, with the governing African National Congress (ANC) chief whip, Jackson Mthembu, saying parliament will elect Cyril Ramaphosa as the new president tomorrow, if the chief justice is available to swear him in.

 

Mr Ramaphosa was elected ANC president in December, replacing Mr Zuma. Mr Zuma's term as national president is due to expire next year.(ANA)

FA/ANA/14 February 2018---------