Zuma shows support for Gordhan, but can't intervene in Hawks matter

The statement comes as Gordhan has taken the fight to Hawks who had instructed him to present himself at their offices this afternoon in relation to the so-called SARS Rogue Unit.

Gordhan and three of his former senior SARS colleagues were summoned so that the crime-fighting unit could obtain warning statements from them.

But yesterday, Gordhan hit back saying he would not be appearing before the Hawks as he has been informed by the head of the Hawks that he is not a suspect in the investigation among other reasons.

The presidency's Bongani Nqulunga says concerns on the matter have been raised by individuals and organisations with President Zuma.

"Even though there is this investigation, the Minister of Finance has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing and that is a very important point. Certainly, President Zuma wants to make it clear that as much as he truly supports the Minister of Finance - he doesn't have power to intervene to stop any investigation against any individual.

"Our Constitution doesn't allow that and if he were to intervene he would be acting unconstitutionally," he said.

Meanwhile, Cosatu has called on the matter around Finance Minster Pravin Gordhan to be resolved swiftly as a weak rand and weak investor confidence directly affects workers.

Bheki Ntshalintshali says while no one is above the law, law enforcement agencies should also act responsibly.

"The concern for us is this, no one is above law in the first place but at the same time law enforcement agencies must act responsibly. The must not do the Hollywood style in terms of how they handle people and our warning to the Hawks is that they should not behave like the scorpions and agreeing being discredited or interested to be panel or political dwellings,"he said.