EFF calls for ‘unethical’ Gordhan’s removal over SARS rogue unit

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have reiterated their call for President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan, this time citing his admission of the so-called SARS rogue unit’s existence.

Gordhan was cross examined by advocate Dali Mpofu, on behalf of his client former South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Tom Moyane on Monday, 30 November 2020.

Moyane and Gordhan have not enjoyed a rosy working relationship – with the former SARS Commissioner accusing the former finance minister of being racist and arrogant. Moyane also took issue with the early retirement payout of former SARS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Pillay and accused him of establishing the ‘rogue unit’.

“The unit did exist, let’s put that to bed once and for all. Correct?,” Mpofu asked.

“Yes,” Gordhan replied.

Now the EFF have said that the admission is ground breaking and reveals that Gordhan is a man characterised by untruthfulness and thuggery.

“This admission, comes after a long-drawn out campaign by Gordhan, members of the media and the allies of Gordhan namely, Johan van Loggerenberg and current Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, to dismiss credible reports that indeed a mafia run unit existed within the revenue services entity, outside the realms of the law and auspices of any intelligence agency and regulations,” the party said.

The proceedings shifted focus on the existence of the unit, which was created in February 2007, when Gordhan was still the commissioner. The minister along with a number of officials at SARS were accused of spying on the now defunct Scorpions and the offices of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Silverton, Pretoria.

EFF: Gordhan must face charges for SARS rogue unit saga

The red berets said Gordhan’s existence in cabinet represents a rot in government and that he must be removed.

“The EFF calls for the immediate removal of Pravin Jamnandas Gordhan from cabinet on charges of espionage for his role in turning SARS into a spy unit. His actions represent a breach of our democracy, by a thug who manipulates the resources of the state to serve his personal interests,” the EFF further said.

The party also intends reporting Gordhan to the Parliamentary Ethics Committee for lying to the National Assembly about meeting with the Gupta family.

“He remains a bacteria to the democratic fabric of this country and is currently leading the greatest capture of our state institutions to facilitate their sale to his friends and cronies”