South African opposition warns against fince minister's arrest

Cape Town, May 15: South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on Sunday warned against the possible arrest of Minister of Fince Pravin Gordhan, saying the move would be a disaster for the country. The arrest, if carried out, would cause an economic earthquake, the party said referring back to the sacking of then fince minister Nhlanhla Nene by President Jacob Zuma on December 9 last year, a move that created chaos at the fincial marke, Xinhua news agency reported. The Sunday Times reported that Gordhan, appointed by Zuma to replace Nene, could soon be arrested after anti-crime unit, the Hawks, reportedly handed a docket over to the tiol Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for his involvement in the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS’) “rogue unit” which was allegedly spying on taxpayers during his time as SARS commissioner during 1999 and 2009. “The timing of the rumours could not be worse and will not only cause further turmoil in the markets, but also compromise efforts to avoid a ratings downgrade in South Africa,” the DA said in a statement. What is worrying is that authorities are reportedly waiting for the “political go ahead” before ordering the arrest of the minister and eight other officials to face charges relating to the SARS “rogue unit”, said the party. (IANS)