Mkhwebane to investigate Kieswetter’s appointment

Two more investigations into the South African Revenue Service (Sars) will be conducted by the office of the Public Protector, reports EWN.

This reportedly includes the appointment of new Sars boss Edward Kieswetter, who began work in May to rebuild Sars and restore its credibility.

A probe into staff matters at the revenue service is also said to be conducted by Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane. This relates to staff appointments in 2009, as well as a complaint that was received very recently, according to Public Protector Communications head Oupa Segalwe.

The matters are reportedly related to employment and Sars human resources processes, according to News24.

Sars reportedly told the publication that they were not yet aware of the investigation.

This comes as Public Enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan and Mkhwebane continue to face off over the so-called Sars rogue unit report, which Gordhan has cited as having “improper motives”, and has vehemently denied any ‘rogue’ elements in the intelligence unit.

Mkhwebane recently found that the intelligence unit was unlawful, and that Gordhan, who was Sars commissioner at the time, had violated the Constitution. In addition, irregular and unlawful intelligence operations were found to have been conducted at the unit, and that procurement rules were not followed when spy equipment was purchased.

Gordhan retaliated by asking the high court to declare that Mkhwebane’s remedial orders be suspended until a judicial review of the damning report is concluded.

He also accused Mkhwebane of advancing the interests of those opposed to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political renewal project.

(Compiled by Nica Schreuder)

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