Gordhan questions timing of fraud charges

Finance minister Pravin Gordhan has questioned the timing of the National Prosecuting Authority’s decision to charge him with fraud – 15 days before he is expected to deliver his mid-term budget speech.

Speaking from the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, following the news that he would be facing charges of fraud, Gordhan said the move mirrored similar revelations in February by the Hawks, just before he delivered his budget speech.

“What is it about this country and some in this country who choose these times to do these things?” Gordhan asked.

Speaking to the audience at the conference, Gordhan said that the country was in for “a little bit of excitement”, and questioned where the Hawks were getting their instructions from “and for what purpose”.

He noted that police officers had arrived at his home to deliver the summons from the NPA, but he was not there to receive it.

Gordhan is expected to make a full statement in response to the charges later today.

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