LISTEN: 'Incompetent' NPA boss is trying to save face: Analyst
Political analyst Imraan Buccus says National Prosecuting Authority boss, Shaun Abrahams, had no other option but to drop fraud charges against Pravin Gordhan and two of his former SARS colleagues - in a bid to save face.
Abrahams made the announcement in Pretoria earlier today that the summons issued against the Finance Minister, former SARS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Pillay, and former Commissioner Oupa Magashule - have been withdrawn.
ALSO READ: Decision to prosecute Gordhan not political: NPA
It means they will no longer have to appear in court on Wednesday.
Since the announcement of the charges three weeks ago, politicians and members of civil society have rallied around the three - with many saying the case against Gordhan in particular only serves to further political interests.
Buccus says a 'level of incompetence' has been brought to the surface by the NPA.
"Clearly they hadn't done their homework sufficiently, I think this in some ways is a positive way forward for South Africa," he said.
Constitutional law expert, Pierre de Vos, says there was never any case here.
But #shaunabrahams confidently announced the prosecution, now he says he had nothing to do with it. 😳😳😳
— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) October 31, 2016
#shaunabrahams says this was not a blunder. But EVERY credible lawyer looking at the facts said weeks ago there was no case.
— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) October 31, 2016
During the press briefing, Abrahams said he didn't believe the decisions of the last couple of weeks had damaged the integrity of the prosecutions body.