Pravin Gordhan: Hawks harassment must stop

“I was very surprised to read the misleading headlines and content of the articles in some of the Independent newspapers,” he said in a statement.

According to media reports on Sunday, the Hawks had issued a second letter to Gordhan giving him a Monday 4pm deadline to answer 27 questions about an investigation into the so-called SA Revenue Service “rogue unit”.

Gordhan was also reportedly criticised by Hawks boss Berning Ntlemeza for not meeting the initial deadline a few days before his budget speech in Parliament.

In his statement on Sunday, Gordhan said: “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,” he said.

“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 SA 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.”

Regarding the “revelation” in the weekend media, Gordhan said his attorneys had confirmed to him that that no other letter had been received by his office until close of business on Friday, nor on his email.

“I can also confirm that I am unaware of any ‘new’ letter.”

Gordhan said the letter sent by his attorneys to the head of the Hawks on March 7 indicated clearly that (1) the refusal of the police unit to state for the record the precise legislative provision in terms of which they were asking these questions; (2) the deadline imposed was not achievable given the roadshow he was undertaking; and (3) in respect of the questions – once the legal matters had been clarified, he would respond to the questions in accordance with the advice provided by his lawyers. He was, 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?”

Gordhan said he would continue to serve South Africa as best he could, in the interests of all South Africans.

“Our immediate task – all of us – is to avoid a downgrade [by ratings agencies] and find urgent ways of growing our economy and creating jobs, in particular for our youth,” he said.