Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has reaffirmed his support for Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and has urged the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and other institutions concerned, to conduct the matter with the necessary dignity and respect.
"Our society is anchored on the rule of law as well as fair and just judicial processes. In this regard, Minister Gordhan is innocent until and unless proven otherwise by a court of law. This is a fundamental pillar of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” said President Zuma on Tuesday.
The President was responding to the NPA’s announcement that Minister Gordhan has been issued with a formal summons to appear in court on 2 November 2016 over fraud charges.
NPA Head Shaun Abrahams said Minister Gordhan‚ former South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Oupa Magashule and former Deputy Commissioner Ivan Pillay would be charged with fraud amounting to more than R1.1 million. This relates to Pillay's early retirement pay out.
The President said the decision by the NPA came at the most sensitive time for the country.
He said Minister Gordhan has been successfully leading initiatives towards economic revival, bringing together business, government and labour in efforts to reignite growth so that jobs can be saved and created. - SAnews.gov.za
