We need a full judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the SARS wars

28 February 2016

The “Mexican Standoff” between the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, and President Jacob Zuma, together with their proxy forces, has now escalated into an all out internal civil war over the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The Hawks have reportedly launched an investigation into allegations of corruption, fraud and the contravention of theRegulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Related Information Act (No. 70 of 2002).

The Hawks investigation has reportedly reached an advanced stage and the Minister is now required to respond to twenty-seven questions relating to the case by Wednesday 02 March 2016.

Moreover, President Jacob Zuma, together with the Minister of State Security, David Mahlobo, has reportedly been briefed on the progress of the investigation by the Hawks.

However, in reaction the Minister has launched an all out attack on the Hawks suggesting that the investigation is politically motivated and aimed at trying to intimidate and distract him as well as destabilise the economic stability of South Africa. 

In the end, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, and President Jacob Zuma, together with their proxy forces, appear to be locked in a fight to the death over SARS.

The only option with any hope of avoiding mutually assured destruction and uncovering the truth is for a full judicial commission of inquiry to be established to investigate all allegations concerning the so-called SARS “rogue unit”.

I will, therefore, be writing to President Jacob Zuma requesting him to appoint a judicial commission of inquiry, in terms of Section 84 of the Constitution, to investigate all the allegations surrounding the so-called SARS “rogue unit”.

Statement issued by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, 28 February 2016