National Prosecuting Authority head Shaun Abrahams skirted around uncomfortable questions in Parliament about the NPA’s decision to announce charges against Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan. Parliament’s portfolio committee on justice and correctional services called on Abrahams to come before the committee on Friday to explain the decision to charge Gordhan with fraud and the subsequent about-turn. Abrahams also sought to bolster the independence of the NPA, and counter perceptions that it was being used for political ends. He denied claims that he had political handlers manipulating him for political reasons, saying he felt no need to resign over the NPA’s handling of the charges against Gordhan. In October Abrahams said the NPA would charge Gordhan and former South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials Oupa Magashula and Ivan Pillay on fraud charges. However, barely a day later, Abrahams showed signs of backing down when he invited Gordhan to request a review of the charges, sh...
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