Fin Minister slams report that Hawks sent him another letter

Simamkele Vakaza

14 March 2016

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan says the Hawks and those who allegedly instruct them have no regard for the economic welfare of millions of South Africans.

He has slammed reports in the Sunday Independent that the Hawks sent him a letter demanding that he respond to their questions this afternoon about a South African Revenue Service unit he allegedly helped to create.

Gordhan spent last week speaking to foreign investors about the country’s economy as ratings agencies consider downgrading South Africa’s investment rating, and is due to speak publicly about that trip this morning.

Gordhan says he was surprised to see reports that Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza sent him this letter, because he hasn't received it.

He claims the leaking of this document is an intimidator tactic like those that were used by the security police during apartheid.

Gordhan says his lawyers had already told Ntlemeza that he could not respond by the deadline because he was overseas speaking to investors.