Police still investigating rogue unit – NPA boss

The police investigation into the so-called rogue unit at the SA Revenue Service (Sars) when Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan was at the helm of the institution is yet to be finalised, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) boss Shaun Abrahams said yesterday.

Abrahams and his team were briefing the parliament portfolio committee on justice on the NPA’s annual performance plan when DA MP Werner Horn asked about the possible prosecution of Gordhan, much to the chagrin of ANC MPs, who tried to shut him down.

ANC MP Chana Pilane-Majake accused Horn of “political grandstanding”, saying the NPA could not be expected to expand on specific cases before it.

“I would venture to say that I have the right and duty to raise these matters, even if it is an inconvenient situation for other members,” Horn argued.

Committee chairperson Mathole Motshekga left it to Abrahams to choose whether he would respond.

“The reality is that the matter is not serving before me. The matter is under investigation by the police,” said Abrahams, adding it would only land on his desk when the probe was finalised.

“My powers are powers of review. I’d like to stop at that.”

Last year, Abrahams withdrew charges against Gordhan and two former Sars employees, Oupa Magashule and Ivan Pillay, relating to the early retirement of the latter.

However, the finance minister could still face charges over the establishment of an alleged rogue unit at Sars. The unit is alleged to have spied on politicians.

In November, Abrahams told MPs that the investigation into the rogue unit at Sars was “at an advanced stage”. – ANA