South African prosecutors drop case against finance minister

Published October 31, 2016

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2016 file photo, South African finance minister Pravin Gordhan delivers the midterm budget speech inside parliament in Cape Town, South Africa. Prosecutors have dropped fraud charges against Gordhan and two former tax officials, Monday Oct. 31, 2016, reversing a decision that was criticized by South Africans and deepened concern about the country's economy and political leadership. (AP Photo/Rodger Bosch, Pool, File) (The Associated Press)

South African prosecutors have dropped fraud charges against the finance minister and two former tax officials, reversing a decision that was criticized by many South Africans and deepened concern about the country's economy and political leadership.

The National Prosecuting Authority said Monday that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, who was due in court Wednesday, will not be prosecuted for approving an early retirement package for a former tax official who continued to work on contract.

Shaun Abrahams, director of the National Prosecuting Authority, says it would be difficult to prove that Gordhan intentionally acted in an unlawful way.

Abrahams has said the move against Gordhan was not politically motivated. However, there is speculation that government factions close to President Jacob Zuma want to undermine Gordhan and take control of the treasury.

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