FORMER South African Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner Tom Moyane has been granted his wish to cross-examine Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan at the State Capture Inquiry on Monday.
This comes after the Zondo Commission gave Moyane permission to question Gordhan.
Moyane’s lawyer Eric Mabuza confirmed on Sunday that the commission has granted Moyane permission to cross-examine Gordhan on November 30 after being denied last year to do so.
The commission’s chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, had indicated there would be a limited time frame for the interrogation and Moyane would have to ask specific questions related to Gordhan’s testimony.
In his testimony in 2018, Gordhan accused Moyane of acting to serve the State Capture agenda when he opened a criminal case against him regarding the establishment of the SARS “Rogue Unit”.
Gordhan also told the Zondo commission how Moyane refused to account to him over corrupt activities, while enjoying the protection of former president Jacob Zuma.
Gordhan accused Moyane of defiance and of being part of co-ordinated attacks against him, which led to the deterioration of their relationship while he was Finance Minister.
He also told the commission how Zuma pushed for Moyane to be appointed as SARS commissioner in 2014, outside of a process that was already under way, with around 120 applicants waiting to be shortlisted.
Analysts say the cross-examination is likely to be intense for everyone, particularly the allegations and the focus of the questions.
Gordhan has welcomed the ruling by the Deputy Chief justice for Moyane to explain why he should not be held accountable for the ‘massive failure of integrity and governance at SARS’ and the ‘reckless mismanagement on the part of Mr Moyane’ that the Nugent Inquiry established, occurred under his tenure.
The focus of the questioning has not been revealed.
The commission will also hear testimony from former SARS employee and partner at Bain, Athol Williams at 10 am on Monday.
(SOURCE: INSIDE POLITICS)
