Angelo Agrizzi, former COO of Bosasa,’s fraud case has been postponed until 4 October 2023.
He is accused of approving payments of more than R800 000 on behalf of Bosasa to former member of parliament Vincent Smith, in exchange for his influence as the former chairman of the parliamentary committee on correctional services, says Sindisiwe Seboka, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority investigation directorate.
“In a separate case, the Pretoria High Court determined in April 2023 that Agrizzi was fit to stand trial. He will attend the court proceedings virtually.”
RNews reported earlier that the Supreme Court had to determine whether Agrizzi was fit to stand trial. He has missed several court appearances since October 2020 or appeared in court with an oxygen tank due to ill health. The state obtained the services of an independent pulmonologist who would assess Agrizzi and submit a report on his health.
The case has been dragging on for years.
Agrizzi is accused of bribing Smith to help ensure Bosasa gets lucrative government tenders.
Agrizzi initially stood trial with Smith on charges of fraud and corruption following allegations that Smith and his company Euro Blitz 48 received bribes of R800 000 from Agrizzi.
RNews previously reported that Smith was at the time the chairman of the parliament’s portfolio committee on correctional services (DKD). Bosasa was investigated at this time after the DCD awarded tenders of around R1 billion to Bosasa. The contracts were allegedly given to the company in a corrupt manner.
The cases against Smith and Agrizzi were separated in July 2022 due to Agrizzi’s ill health.
