Finance Minister Gordhan not being investigated: NPA
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Monday said it was not investigating any charges of espionage against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.
Speculation has been rife that Gordhan's arrest was imminent.
Gordhan again made headlines following calls for an investigation into his involvement in the establishment of the so-called 'rogue unit' within the South African Revenue Service (SARS) when he was still its commissioner.
According to reports, the Hawks handed over a case docket to the NPA for a decision to prosecute Gordhan and eight other former SARS officials with alleged knowledge and involvement in the unit's activities, which has been accused of spying on taxpayers.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams, said media reports of Gordhan's possible arrests affected the economy and he wanted to set the record straight.
"Many things have been said and aspersions cast on key institutions established to strengthen this democracy. I can only talk on behalf of the NPA. I don't want to involve myself with the political issues around this matter, nor to allow this institution to be pulled into such a space," he said.
Abrahams said he wanted to make it clear that neither he nor the institution required the political go ahead to prosecute anyone.
"I don't need any politician or any person's permission to institute a prosecution against anyone. There is no person or entity on this earth that can influence me in making any decision."