NPA confirms Hawks docket

THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed receiving a docket from the Hawks on Friday relating to the South African Revenue Service (Sars) rogue unit.

“Prosecutors are going to analyse and evaluate the evidence contained in the docket. If there is no outstanding investigation a decision on whether or not to prosecute any person will be made,” NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku said without naming Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan.

Last week, Gordhan defied the Hawks, refusing to meet them to be issued with a warning statement.

This was in relation to alleged contraventions of intelligence laws and the Public Finance Management Act in connection with the creation of an alleged “rogue” intelligence unit at Sars. Mfaku said “no decision has been taken to prosecute any person in relation to the matter”.

Support for Gordhan has come from all quarters, including businessman and deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa. The SACP yesterday also came out in defence of Gordhan, saying the putative charges were politically motivated.

This followed the attack on Gordhan by his colleague in the cabinet, minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Des van Rooyen, who was Minister of Finance for four days last year. Van Rooyen called on him to subject himself to the law.