Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 31-10-2016
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced the withdrawal of charges against finance minister Pravin Gordhan and former SARS officials Oupa Magashula and Ivan Pillay.
Abrahams announced on Monday that Gordhan, Magashula and Pillay will no longer face criminal charges.
The three men were expected to appear in court this week in connection with fraud charges relating to the early retirement of former deputy SA Revenue Services deputy commissioner Pillay and then re-employing him on a contract basis in 2010.
NPA Head Shaun Abrahams says after “perusal” of the matter he has decided to “overrule the decision” to prosecute the minister.
“In the absence of any other evidence in the contrary, I am satisfied that Mr Magashula, Mr Pillay and Minister Gordhan did not have the requisite intension to act unlawfully. I am of the view that this matter could easily have been clarified had there been proper engagement and cooperation between the Hawks and Mr Magashula, Mr Pillay and Minister Gordhan. The summons are withdrawn with immediate effect and no need for Gordhan to appear in court.”
Over the weekend it was claimed that Abrahams had decided to withdraw the charges against Gordhan, Magashula and Pillay.
The decision to lay the charges has led to a huge outcry from civil society amid claims that Abrahams was making decisions for political reasons.
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