DA calls on Public Protector to investigate SARS boss Oupa Magashula

The DA will request that Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, investigate South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Oupa Magashula following serious allegations that he has used his position of power to offer a R700 000 post at the tax authority to a woman connected to convicted drug dealer Panganathan Marimuthu (see City Press report).

The transcript of a conversation between Commissioner Magashula, Mr Marimuthu and another individual published in the press today at the very least raises serious questions about Commissioner Magashula's judgement. The high office held by the Commissioner demands absolute integrity, so the Public Protector must investigate any wrong-doing on his part to remove any doubt about his judgement and integrity. 

It seems clear that Commissioner Marimuthu has attempted to use his position to hold sway over Mr Magashula for his own personal interests. The question as to whether it was reciprocal and ever acted upon must now be made clear through an investigation. Tomorrow I will lodge a formal request for an investigation with the Public Protector.

Statement issued by Tim Harris MP, DA Shadow Minister of Finance, March 24 2013

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