So-called "SARS war" is rattling markets in South Africa and has sent the rand into free fall. The country's finance minister, Praveen Gordin, has refused to appear before detectives for questioning about his tenure at the South African revenue service. Speaking at a business debate in Cape Town, on the 24th of August, Gordin said he has no legal obligation to obey the police summons. The elite crime-fighting unit known informally as the Hawks, wants Gordin to respond to allegations linked to a rogue unit set up at SARS under his leadership. News of the summons -- and the implications of his refusal -- have compounded investors' worries. South Africa is on the brink of a recession, and ratings agencies are keeping a close eye on the economy. Gordin says he just wants to get on with doing his job.

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