A senior government official has told City Press that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan ‘is not going anywhere’ because there is nothing that warrants his arrest, as previous reports have suggested.<\/p>\n
Citing senior officials in the Hawks and the NPA, The Sunday Times reported last week that Gordhan was set to be arrested on charges of espionage, relating to the so-called \u201crogue spy unit\u201d at SARS, which was set up under his watch as commissioner.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Gordhan said that the entire episode had been \u2018distressing\u2019. The minister professed his innocence, claiming that he had answered all questions asked by the Hawks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI cannot believe that I am being investigated and could possibly be charged for something I am completely innocent of,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe malicious rumours and accusations about \u2018espionage\u2019 activities are false and manufactured for other motives.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Presidency said at the time that the story was fabricated\u00a0and is \u201cthe work of dangerous information peddlers who wish to cause confusion and mayhem in the country\u201d.<\/p>\n
Citing senior government officials, City Press reported on Sunday that there was
\nno imminent threat of Gordhan being arrested or removed from his post, adding that \u201ceither he is genuinely scared, or he is being mischievous\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is not going anywhere. It is just paranoia on his part. There is nothing that warrants his arrest.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was being asked [by the Hawks] questions as a former accounting head of department that the [Sars] unit belonged to. All of us can be asked to account for departments we worked for 10 years ago,\u201d an official told the paper.<\/p>\n
Another official warned that Gordhan regarded himself as a \u201csuperminister who was untouchable\u201d, which could lead to his isolation.<\/p>\n
A deputy minister said that those threatening the finance minister were hoping that the pressure being applied to the minister would force him to step down voluntarily.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, because of the backing he has, it will be difficult for him to be let go. He has a lot of backing even outside the ANC,\u201d said the deputy minister.<\/p>\n
Read the full article in the 22 May 2016 edition of City Press.<\/em><\/p>\n Gordhan responds to arrest claims: \u2018I can\u2019t believe this is happening\u2019<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Zuma vs Gordhan vs the rand<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Gordhan arrest off the cards \u2013 for now: report<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on politics<\/h3>\n