Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan can breathe easy once again, as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) have said that he will not be arrested. In a report that appeared in the Sunday Independent, it was revealed that Gordhan had been assured by the Hawks that he will not be arrested, and is not a suspect in the investigation into the SARS (South African Revenue Service) ‘rogue unit’.
Last week, Gordhan released a statement highlighting the impact that media reports about his possible arrest were having on him and his family. “The recent media reports about my arrest - imminent or not - have been extremely distressing for my family and me.
“I cannot believe that I am being investigated and could possibly be charged for something I am completely innocent of. 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 reports in the past weekend,” stated Gordhan in the letter.
Following media reports last week that Gordhan was likely to be arrested, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) disputed the claims. The NPA clarified that the investigation was still ongoing and that no arrests were currently planned, as they want the investigation to conclude prior to laying any charges.
According to one report, Gordhan received a letter from the head of the Hawks, Berning Ntlemeza, on Friday, putting some of the Minister’s fears at ease. In the letter, Ntlemeza allegedly stated that Gordhan has no reason to be concerned.