Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.Picture: Alon Skuy
FINANCE Minister Pravin Gordhan has called on South Africans to protect him and his staff against law enforcement agencies manipulating the law and targeting him for ulterior motives.
In a statement released last night, Gordhan said he could not believe that he was being investigated and that he could be possibly charged for something “I am completely innocent of”.
The Sunday Times revealed at the weekend that Gordhan was to be arrested by the Hawks for establishing the SA Revenue Services so-called rogue forensic investigative unit.
Gordhan said: “The recent media reports [about my arrest] have been extremely distressing for my family and me.
“I have answered the questions submitted by the Hawks, and have not heard from them.
“I was not aware of any impending charges or further investigations until the [media] reports,” he said.
“It is indeed true that no one is above the law. But, no one should be subjected to the manipulation of the law and agencies for ulterior motives.”
Gordhan said that throughout his 45 years of activism for the advancement of the ANC, the constitution and a democratic government, he “would never have thought that individuals within the very agencies of this government would now conspire to intimidate and harass me and my family”.
He said his lawyers would approach the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority for further information and clarity.
He said it was painful to him and many earnest democrats to witness, this “unrestrained attack on honest and hardworking people and institutions meant to strengthen our democracy”.
“Millions of people will pay the price if this subversion of democracy is left unrestrained and unchallenged.
“I appeal to all South Africans to protect national Treasury staff, who have diligently, honestly and skillfully served the national interest.”
Gordhan’s appeal came hours after former SARS deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay, suspended Independent Police Investigation Directorate head Robert McBride and former Hawks head Anwa Dramat slammed the use of political interference to stop law enforcement agencies from conducting high-profile and legitimate investigations.
The statement came after McBride appeared in the Constitutional Court yesterday to have an earlier Pretoria High Court order, which found his suspension by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and certain sections of the IPID Act unconstitutional, confirmed.
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