Pravin Gordhan’s arrest would be a disaster for South Africa

23 August 2016 

Reports that the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan, has been requested to report to the Hawks at 10h00 on Thursday 25 August 2016 is a major escalation in the “SARS Wars”.

The fact that the Minister has reportedly been requested to appear before the Hawks suggests he may be informed about possible charges and may face arrest in connection with allegations relating to the SARS “rogue unit”.

The arrest of the Finance Minister would shatter investor confidence, risk a sovereign ratings downgrade and be a disaster for the already fragile zero growth, zero jobs economy in South Africa.

The only option to get to the bottom of the allegations relating to the SARS “rogue unit” is the appointment of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry in terms of Section 84 of the Constitution. 

Statement issued by David Maynier MP, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, 23 August 2016