South African police have raided the residential compound of a business family suspected of using its ties to President Jacob Zuma to influence Cabinet appointments and land state contracts.

Agents from the Hawks, an elite police investigative unit, entered the compound of the Gupta family in Saxonwold, an affluent neighbourhood in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

The raid happened as the ruling African National Congress Party awaited a response from Mr Zuma after instructing him on Tuesday to quit office because of a series of scandals.

The Gupta business family has been a flashpoint for national anger over corruption in state enterprises during Mr Zuma’s tenure. A judicial commission is preparing to investigate the allegations.

Mr Zuma and the Guptas deny wrongdoing.