[LISTEN] The Public Protector does not play political games, says her office
The office of the Public Protector (PP) has denied that it’s
become part of a political strategy against state capture.
Spokesperson for the Public Protector, Oupa Segalwe, says it is part of the investigation by the PP regarding the allegations that Gordhan irregularly approved the retirement of the then Deputy Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Ivan Pillay in 2010.
Mkhwebane is also looking into the pension paid out to Pillay, as well as allegations that he was then allowed to return to SARS as an employee.
Segwale says the reason for the delay in the investigation is due to the backlog in the office of the PP.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) also investigated the charges against Gordhan and Pillay, but the case was dropped in 2016.
Gordhan has been outspoken in his warnings that he is expecting a fightback, as the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture intensifies.
He is expected to testify at the public hearing in Parktown next week.