The Hawks special investigation unit moved to put an end to the three-month-long scuffle between it and finance minister Pravin Gordhan, saying that there is absolutely no investigation into him.<\/p>\n
According to a report by BDLive, Hawks spokesperson\u00a0Hangwani Mulaudzi said on Sunday<\/a> in no uncertain terms: “Take it from us as the authority \u2014 there is no investigation against the minister, finish and klaar<\/em>.”<\/p>\n Mulaudzi said that the matter had been going on for three months now, and the unit was not sure where all the speculation that it was specifically an investigation into Gordhan that was ongoing.<\/p>\n “He was only sent clarity-seeking questions, given the fact that he was the commissioner at that time,”\u00a0Mulaudzi said.\u00a0“The only investigation is regarding the rogue unit, let us leave it at that. Can we please allow the honourable minister to do his job?”<\/p>\n However, doubts still linger on the matter, following a report from the Sunday Times that said that the minister was facing “imminent arrest”.<\/p>\n The paper cited senior officials within the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, and received confirmation from NPA head, Shaun Abrahams that a docket on the minister had been handed to them.\u00a0Abrahams later clarified that the docket had been sent back to the Hawks “with guidance”.<\/p>\n Gordhan responded to the reports with disbelief, saying that he could not believe that government institutions were being manipulated to harass him and his family.<\/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.\u00a0\u201cThe malicious rumours and accusations about \u2018espionage\u2019 activities are false and manufactured for other motives.\u201d<\/p>\n A senior government official told City Press that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan “is not going anywhere” because there is nothing that warrants his arrest.<\/p>\n The Hawks spokesperson said that no action would be taken to embarrass or humiliate the minister, and that no steps will be taken that affect him without giving him prior notice.<\/p>\n “At this stage, there should be no reason for the minister to be concerned. I hope this will allay the minister\u2019s fears,” Mulaudzi said.<\/p>\n \u2018Untouchable\u2019 Gordhan not going anywhere: report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Gordhan arrest \u201cimminent\u201d: report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on Gordhan<\/h3>\n