Ex-SARS execs respond to summons in strongly-worded letter
The three former SARS officials have responded to a summons in a letter to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Three former South African Revenue Service (SARS) executives have asked for an opportunity to make representations in a case against them.
Ivan Pillay, Johann van Loggerenberg and Andries Janse van Rensburg were told to appear in the Pretoria Regional Court in April on charges of corruption and contravention of the Rica Act.
It relates to the High Risk Investigation Unit - commonly referred to as the 'Rogue Unit'.
The three have now, through their lawyers, written to prosecutions boss Shaun Abrahams.
In the letter, the three ask, among others, why they haven't been given warning statements.
"As you are no doubt aware it is a procedural prerequisite in a matter such as this to afford the accused opportunity to make representations...prior to the accused appearing in court for the first time," the letter says.
They also want to know why prosecutors did not insist on obtaining warning statements and whether Abrahams is aware that this was not done.
The group strongly denies the allegations leveled against them and believe the case will be withdrawn if they will be given an opportunity to make representations.
The initial allegations were based on a KMPG investigation, which the firm has since withdrawn.