One of South Africa's top corruption fighters says she has asked the government for more resources to investigate allegations that a wealthy Indian business family influenced President Jacob Zuma's choices of Cabinet ministers.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela told reporters Tuesday her office has been asked to probe "whether or not the government of South Africa, in this particular case the president, unlawfully helped the Gupta family to choose ministers and other occupants of higher offices."

The Gupta family has been in the spotlight for years because of its closeness to Zuma amid accusations it received preferential treatment. South Africa's deputy finance minister has said the family directly offered him the finance minister job in December.

Madonsela, whose term ends in October, said she expects her successor to continue the investigation.