I have not been captured: Abrahams
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shaun Abrahams says he never discussed the charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan with President Jacob Zuma.
The head of the National Prosecuting Authority met with the President and three cabinet minister at the ANC's headquarter, Luthuli House, the day before he announced the decision to charge Gordhan with fraud.
The decision to prosecute Gordhan lead to a widespread outcry, with constitutional groups and political heavyweights coming out in support of the Finance Minister.
Abrahams has been accused of being under President Zuma's influence, which he denies.
"I have not been captured by anyone, nor has the NPA been captured by anyone," says Abrahams.
The NDPP is appearing in front of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services on the withdrawal of charges against Gordhan.
He says he briefed Justice Minister Michael Masutha on the decision to charge the Finance Minister and then requested Masutha to brief the President, since the charges would be brought against a sitting cabinet minister.
"Allegations have been levelled that I discussed this matter with the President at a meeting held during the afternoon on Monday, 10 October 2016 at Luthuli House. Chairperson, that is completely incorrect," says Abrahams.
Abrahams says he was invited to an urgent meeting that afternoon by Masutha around the violence that erupted as a direct result of Fees Must Fall protests.
"According to [Minister Masutha], the President had called for an urgent meeting with the ministers of the security cluster. My understanding was that the President as leaving the country later that day, during the early evening and the meeting could not be rescheduled. The President did not invite me to the meeting. The President was not even aware that I would be at attendance at this meeting until I arrived," says Abrahams.
Abrahams says Masutha, State Security Minister David Mahlobo and Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini was in attendance.
"Minister Masutha was of the view that I could contribute much more than he could at this meeting and requested my attendance," says Abrahams.
Abrahams maintains that the charges against Gordhan was not discussed at the meeting.
"The only issue that was discussed was the issue around the violence that had erupted at the institutions of higher learning," says Abrahams.