BREAKING: NPA withdraws charges against Gordhan

National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams told the media that Gordhan, former SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula and his deputy, Ivan Pillay will no longer be charged with fraud relating to Pillay's early retirement pay-out.

"In the absence of any other evidence in the contrary, I am satisfied that Mr Magashula, Mr Pillay and Minister Gordhan did not have the requisite intension to act unlawfully. I am of the view that this matter could easily have been clarified had there been proper engagement and cooperation between the Hawks and Mr Magashula, Mr Pillay and Minister Gordhan. In the circumstances, I have decided to overrule the decision to overrule to prosecute Mr Magashula, Mr Pillay and Minister Gordhan on the charges listed in the summonses," Abrahams said.

This announcement comes just two days before the three were expected to make their first appearance in court.