Analysts weigh in on Gordhan 'arrest' debacle
Analysts have been weighing in on reports of Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's imminent arrest for his involvement in the so-called rogue unit at the SA Revenue Service.
The Sunday Times reported yesterday that the Hawks handed over a case docket to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision to prosecute Gordhan and eight other former SARS officials.
The docket has since reportedly been returned 'with guidance'.
Political analyst Imraan Buccus believes there are "shadowy figures" in the country's national politics trying to impact on Gordhan's integrity because he enjoys huge public support.
Also read: NPA says no decision on Gordhan's possible prosecution
''I think we all know that any kind of assault on Gordhan in our current context and if at all the NPA or the Hawks go ahead with the arrest of Gordhan, it is going to be really devastating for our national politics, our national economy and indeed our national psyche.
''I think this is really worrying. I think the one reassuring fact that we have is that we have a really credible institution of democracy," he said.
Meanwhile economic analyst Dawie Roodt believes this will have a negative effect on the markets.
"There will be a lot of policy uncertainty because of who would take over from Pravin Gordhan? Very importantly, there will be questions about political leadership on whether policy will be implemented or not.
"I think the story of the financial market at the moment isnot the most important question that we need to be asking now. The real question is what is going on politically in South Africa?'' he said.
The report says there could be a cabinet reshuffle if Gordhan is charged. However, a statement from the Presidency yesterday dismissed the article as the work of "dangerous information peddlers who wish to cause confusion and mayhem in the country".
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