Sars ‘rogue unit’ probe must reveal truth

THE public protector has issued her report on the SA Revenue Service (Sars) rogue unit.

The unit investigations become murkier as the drama unfolds. A retired High Court judge remarked that the formation of the unit was not unlawful. Legal opinion supported that view. A 62-page report compiled by the late Faith Radebe, inspector-general of intelligence, reportedly recommended criminal charges “against at least four senior officials” at Sars. Pravin Gordhan’s credentials are impeccable, but as an ANC stalwart, he should have realised that politics in post-apartheid South Africa is a filthy game.

It is an area where angels fear to tread. Sadly, there are people on all sides of politics who play the “game of thrones” which involves lying, cheating, disrespecting, undermining, back-stabbing, political assassinations and grandstanding.

Our politics has become murky because of a few opportunists, habitual liars, self-styled heroes and bogus patriots with a hidden agenda.

What is so brazen is that the cannons of this insurrection have been trained at the inner sanctums of stable governance.

Most of our politicians run with the hares and hunt with the hounds. It exposes the nexus between the people in power and the harbingers of truth by portraying the reality of their façades.

It was George Washington who once said: “Truth will ultimately prevail where there are pains to bring it to light”.

Gordhan proclaims he is innocent in the Sars saga. Under his guidance, Sars was the most efficient state institution. You have nothing to fear if you have nothing to hide.

This statement is attributed to George Orwell in his book 1984.

Surely the only way for Gordhan to clear his name is to face the rule of law. If he is innocent, the law will vindicate him and crucify his accusers.

This is the only sane and legal way to end this war of attrition. Ultimately, the full bench of the Constitutional Court will have to pass judgment.

The term “rogue unit” was coined by the media. The Concourt will have to decide on the legality of the unit and if it morphed into a rogue establishment.

The country’s future will depend on its finding, should it reach the precincts of the Concourt.