HAWKS HARASSMENT MUST STOP IN THE INTERESTS OF JUSTICE

 I was very surprised to read the misleading headlines and content of the articles in some of the Independent Newspapers titles (see here).

Once again the Hawks, and those who instruct them, have no regard for the economic and social welfare of millions.

Over the past week, a Team SA delegation consisting of Government, Business and three Labour federations have been on an intense investor roadshow to address concerns of our bond investors and defend our fiscal strength. This is so that we can continue to borrow money we don't have to spend on infrastructure and other projects. These investors and the ratings agencies are observing every development in South Africa with a keen eye. I am acting, with other loyal South Africans, in the best interests of all South Africans so that they may have a better and more prosperous future.

Let me address the "revelation" in the weekend media.

My attorneys have confirmed to me that that no other letter has been received by their office until close of business on Friday 11 March; nor by email. I can also confirm that I am unaware of any "new" letter.

I attach the letter sent by my attorneys to the head of the police unit on 7 March 2016. This letter indicates clearly that:

1. The refusal of the police unit to state for the record the precise legislative provision in terms of which they are asking these questions;

2. The deadline imposed is not achievable given the roadshow I was undertaking.

3. In respect of the questions - Once the legal matters have been clarified, I will respond to the questions in accordance with the advice provided by my lawyers. I am, like all South Africans, not above the law.

So where is this mysterious letter? Why does one journalist among the press seem to have something at hand but the people to whom it is directed don't? Also, why "leak" a letter that has to be still studied and responded to - to further use harassment and intimidatory tactics like the old Security Police did?

I will continue to serve South Africa as best I can, in the interests of all our people. Our immediate task - all of us - is to avoid a downgrade and find urgent ways of growing our economy and creating jobs, in particular for our youth.

Text of letter:

OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL HEAD DIRECTORATE FOR PRIORITY CRIME INVESTIGATION HEAD OFFICE PRETORIA

BY EMAIL

FOR ATT: Lt GENERAL BM NTLEMEZA

Dear Lt General Ntlemeza,

INVESTIGATION QUESTIONS: BROOKLYN CAS 427/05/2015 – THE HON. MINISTER PRAVIN GORDHAN

1. We ackcowledge receipt of your letter of 03 March received by us 04 March 2016.

2. We note that regrettably you have not adequately responded to the two matters raised by our client in paragraph 7 of our letter of 02 March 2016. Our client’s rights in this respect are reserved especialy the limitations that are imposed on our client’s response to your 27 questions given your failure to provide the response requested.

3. As to the newly imposed deadline of 14 March 2016 for our client’s response, he undertakes to use his best endeavours to respond within such timeframe as his public duties permit. He has left the country for the whole of this week on a scheduled trip to the USA and the UK. We advise that the deadline you have imposed is not achievable. We will advise of the date by which our client will be able to respond as soon as he returns from overseas.

4. We look trust that you will find the above in order.

Yours faithfully

GILDENHUYS MALATJI INC

Per: T Malatji

W321

Transmitted electronically without signature

ENDS

Statement issued by Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Finance, 13 March 2016