The religious organisation that pleaded with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela to investigate claims against the controversial Gupta family says it did so in the interest of poor and marginalised South Africans.The Dominican Order of Southern Africa wrote to Madonsela on Friday morning‚ and her office confirmed in the afternoon that she would launch a preliminary probe into whether she had the jurisdiction and the grounds to conduct a full investigation.Madonsela asked to investigate the GuptasFather Brian Mhlanga‚ the order’s communications head‚ told TMG Digital that their request was made “in the light of transparency and accountability”.Zuma’s fate in balance as ANC NEC meets“The first thing is that these are allegations that are being made. They are just allegations at this stage‚ but one cannot ignore them because they are quite grave. If there is any truth to them‚ then those being accused need to be made accountably [and] if there is no truth‚ then those making the accusations need to be held accountable‚” he said.Guptas claim Zuptagate scandal coverage is 'xenophobic and hate speech'Mhlanga said the organisation – which has at its core a desire to “communicate the Good News of love‚ peace‚ joy and justice for all” – was delighted that Madonsela had heeded their request.Kathrada Foundation joins calls for Guptagate inquiry“This is not for us as a group. We speak for the voiceless. We work with the marginalised‚ the poor and those who often fall within the cracks of society. Sometimes‚ we are their voice. We manifest our faith by being a witness in society. If there are unethical things happening‚ we have to bring them to light‚” he said.Madonsela’s office said that it had received the request to investigate “the involvement of the Gupta family in state affairs and the award of contracts to companies linked to the family”.The request was also to check whether the family‚ which has denied any wrongdoing‚ was aware of the plan to replace Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene with unheralded MP Des van Rooyen before the fact last year‚ as has been alleged.Madonsela was also asked to probe sensational claims by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former MP Vytjie Mentor that they were offered cabinet posts by the Guptas “in exchange for favourable executive decisions and beneficial business interests”.She said it could take as long as five days to determine whether she was authorised to launch a full investigation...