South African finance minister says reports about his imminent arrest distressing

South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Tuesday that recent media reports about his imminent arrest have been extremely distressing for his family and himself.

"I cannot believe that I am being investigated and could possibly be charged for something I am completely innocent of," Gordhan said in a statement.

The Sunday Times reported last week that Gordhan could soon be arrested after anti-crime unit, the Hawks, reportedly handed a docket over to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for his involvement in the SA Revenue Service's (SARS') "rogue unit"which was illegally spying on taxpayers during his time as SARS' commissioner between 1999 and 2009.

Gordhan said he has answered the questions submitted by the Hawks in regards to the unit, but has not heard from them.

"I was not aware of any impending charges or further investigations until the reports in the past weekend.

"It is indeed true, that no one is above the law. But no one should be subjected to the manipulation of the law and agencies for ulterior motives," Gordhan said.

He said that throughout his 45 years of activism, he has worked for the advancement of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the Constitution and the democratic government.

"I would never have thought that individuals within the very agencies of this government would now conspire to intimidate and harass me and my family," he said.

Gordhan said he has met with his lawyers to obtain their advice.

The lawyers will be approaching the leadership of both the Hawks and the NPA for further information and clarity.

"I worked together with over ten thousand staff for a decade to transform SARS into a world class revenue and customs administration. We built the revenue service into an efficient and effective institution that provided the increasing fiscal resources to enable government to provide social grants," he said.

The malicious rumours and accusations about "espionage" activities are false and manufactured for other motives, he said.

There have also been reports of businesspeople claiming inside knowledge of or influence over state institutions. If such reports are true, that alleged conduct will undermine the integrity and honesty within the Treasury or other key institutions, said Gordhan.

He appealed to all South Africans to protect the National Treasury staff, who have diligently, honestly and skilfully served the national interest to the best of their ability.

The Presidency has also denied the immident arrest of Gordhan.

Source: XINHUA