Pretoria – Cabinet has called on all interested parties to exercise calm and restraint regarding the matter of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Tom Moyane and the Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan.
“Cabinet calls on all interested parties to exercise calm and restraint, and allow space for the matters to be resolved using correct channels,” said a Cabinet statement issued by Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on Thursday.
This follows an investigation into the alleged “rogue unit” at SARS by the Hawks.
The Hawks had sent Minister Gordhan questions regarding the so-called “rogue unit” to obtain clarity from him as he was in charge of SARS when the unit was formed.
Police Minister Nathi Nhleko said on Wednesday, the Hawks activated its investigation into the unit, just after May 2015, when SARS reported the matter as a complaint with the police.
Minister Nhleko said the investigation into the unit was nothing new and referred to the Sikhakhane Report which recommended that more investigations be done into the existence of such a unit as well as the KPMG investigation. The unit was set up to be ring-fenced with the National Intelligence Agency, but became a unit on its own.
Minister Gordon was given until Wednesday to deliver his responses to the Hawk’s questions but has since asked for an extension of the deadline.
Cabinet, at its meeting on Wednesday, reiterated the message by President Jacob Zuma on the need to respect the institutions and processes created in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 and the law.
“President Zuma is dealing with the matter of the South African Revenue Service Commissioner and the Minister of Finance through the correct channels using correct legal prescripts.
“The President is putting measures in place to address the issues responsibly and amicably for the benefit of all,” said the statement.
The Presidency, in a statement on Monday, dismissed with contempt, allegations that Minister Gordhan’s position as the Minister of Finance was under any threat.
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