Abrahams must withdraw the charges against Gordhan – and resign
30 October 2016
Reports show that NDPP, Shaun Abrahams, ignored vital evidence in his decision to charge Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, Mr Pillay and Mr Magashula with fraud and that the Hawks, guided by Torie Pretorius, had conducted what can only be described as a cursory investigation. In light of this, Abrahams should do the right thing and immediately withdraw the charges.
Court papers filed by the Helen Suzman Foundation show that Abrahams, and Pretorius, purposefully ignored evidence that shows the granting of early retirement was not an unusual practise.
Reports today also suggest that the Hawks had not yet properly completed their investigation, that the docket handed to Abrahams was not complete and lacked vital evidence.
This only confirms the capture of both the NPA and the Hawks by those who wish to use these institutions to carry out political witch hunts.
The Hawks have resorted to shocking bully tactics in their investigation and have stooped to locking up the SARS Deputy Director of Law Administration, Vlok Symington, in the SARS boardroom. They then demanded that he hand over copies of an email from an attorney for SARS, David Makapela, and manhandled him when he refused. Symington declined to depose to an affidavit on the Gordhan charges due to ethical reasons.
Now it appears that Abrahams is trying to worm his way out of this mess by saying that he had no part in the decision to go ahead with the charges. He cannot expect the South African public to believe that as NDPP he had no say in or was not consulted on the decision.
He has a rather unfortunate history of not taking responsibility for bad decisions. He blamed the decision to withdraw charges against Jiba on the hapless Marshall Mokgathle, and blames this shocker on Torie Pretorius. Someone should tell him the buck stops with him.
The only proper thing for Abrahams to do would be to withdraw the charges against Gordhan, Pillay and Magashula, admit that he is not up to the task, and resign. Along with his henchman, Torie Pretorius.
Statement issued by Adv Glynnis Breytenbach MP', DA Shadow Minister of Justice, 30 October 2016
