Public relations firm Bell Pottinger has apologised for the work they carried out with the Gupta family and Oakbay Capital.

The company has dismissed the lead partner involved and suspended another partner and two other employees over accusations that it supported and aided campaigns to stir up racial tensions in South Africa through its work for Gupta-owned Oakbay Capital.

The apology and dismissals follow an ongoing inquiry into the allegations by international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP‚ which was called in by the company to review the Oakbay account and the work carried out on its behalf.

In a detailed statement issued on Thursday, the company said it took decisive action to not repeat previous mistakes.

“At various points throughout the tenure of the Oakbay account, senior management have been misled about what has been done. For it to be done in South Africa, a country which has become an international beacon of hope for its progress towards racial reconciliation, is a matter of profound regret and in no way reflects the values of Bell Pottinger,” the statement read.

Bell Pottinger announced three months ago that it had decided to cease work for Oakbay Capital after working for them for a year.

This story will be updated when more information surfaces.