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South African newspapers print presidential home pics despite warnings

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NKANDLA, South Africa, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- South African newspapers defied government warnings and published photos of President Jacob Zuma's house, with one paper using the headline: "So, arrest us."

Newspapers including The Times and The Star published photos of the Nkandla home despite a Thursday warning from cabinet ministers saying those who published images or video of the residence would be arrested for violating security laws, the BBC reported Friday.

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"So, arrest us," The Times headline read.

"Look away! What ministers don't want you to see," the headline in The Star read.

The upgrades -- done at a cost to taxpayers of $20 million -- were necessary for security reasons, officials said.

Upgrades included installation of an underground bunker and a helipad.

South African anti-corruption watchdog Thuli Madonsela said an investigation has been opened into allegations the costs of the upgrades were inflated and the renovations exceeded the allowed uses for renovations on the private home of a politician.

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