Hawks questions for Gordhan part of a 'destabilisation plan': Mantashe

The Hawks sent Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan questions about his time at the helm at the South African Revenue Services (Sars).

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe said in a statement that the timing of the questions was intended to "distract the Minister during this important time."

The questions were leaked to the media.

According to BDLive the Hawks sent Gordhan, questioning his knowledge of an alleged rogue unit at the tax agency. The letter from the Hawks is understood to have also asked about the employment of former SARS deputy commissioner Ivan Pillay.

The Hawks also wanted answers on Project Sunday Evening, during which the National Prosecuting Authority was reportedly spied on. They also wanted answers on the involvement of Andries Van Rensburg, or "Skollie", who left SARS under a cloud.

Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said on Thursday the agency did not "investigate people through the media".

This is said to have led to a clash with SARS' boss Tom Moyane. Gordhan is said to have threatened to resign from cabinet, telling the president "Moyane must go or I must go."

"In our view this is a well calculated destabilisation plan with all the elements of disinformation, falsehoods and exaggerated facts," said Mantashe.

According to Mantashe's statement the ANC will be 'engaging' with the individual who leaked the questions to the media.

"In the event that the Hawks have anything to investigate related to the Minister and SARS, it would be in the best interest of our country if they did so professionally, using the correct channel and procedures and not seek to conduct a trial through the media," Mantashe said.