{"id":80738,"date":"2018-05-03T11:01:09","date_gmt":"2018-05-03T09:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mobserver.co.za\/?p=80738"},"modified":"2018-05-08T10:48:44","modified_gmt":"2018-05-08T08:48:44","slug":"gupta-swear-word-middelburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/middelburg-observer\/news-headlines\/2018\/05\/03\/gupta-swear-word-middelburg\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Gupta\u2019 is a swear word in Middelburg"},"content":{"rendered":"

Several big companies in Middelburg are sitting with millions in debt after Optimum and Koornfontein mines were taken over by the Gupta family<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Guptas<\/a> and their body guards were often seen dining in Middelburg restaurants<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But now, especially engineering companies, are sitting with debt after work done by them on the Optimum and Koornfontein mines were never paid.<\/p>\n

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Optimum mine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Musketeer Engineering is owed R8 million.<\/p>\n

Midcon Engineering had to write off R200 000 after Optimum was placed under business rescue the first time.<\/p>\n

https:\/\/mobserver.co.za\/42741\/da-cries-corruption-over-optimum\/<\/p>\n

Both GK Steel and QR Steelworks are also owed substantial amounts.<\/p>\n

According to Mr John Stewart from Rubgen Engineering & Mining Supplies, they are also owed money and hope is dwindling that it will ever be paid.<\/p>\n

Mr Jan Greeff from Rhojan Construction says Optimum owes him \u201cmore than they owe Musketeer Engineering\u201d but he is still hopeful that the money will be paid eventually.<\/p>\n

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Optimum and Koornfontein mines can no longer guarantee employment security.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2022This is the second time <\/a>that both Optimum and Koornfontein mines are placed under business rescue. The fact that the Burg Group<\/a> took over the mines\u2019 management and has provided banking facilities, is a shard of hope to creditors.<\/p>\n

The companies that money is owed to are:<\/h4>\n