Whistle blower in state corruption - Angelo Agrizzi. (Delwyn Verasamy)
An independent medical expert has been appointed to assess former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi’s health as his R1.8-billion fraud and corruption case moves to the high court for trial.
Agrizzi, who is facing a range of graft charges in two commercial crimes courts, has missed court appearances because of what his legal representatives have said are respiratory health troubles that have resulted in him spending more than R3.5-million on medical fees.
Agrizzi; Linda Mti, the correctional service department’s former chief financial officer; Patrick Gillingham, Bosasa’s former chief operations officer; and Andries van Tonder, Bosasa’s former chief financial officer, face charges of fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, corruption and money laundering.
The charges relate to four tenders awarded to Bosasa worth more than R1.8-billion from August 2004 to 2007 for the provision of catering and training services, installation of CCTV cameras, installation of perimeter fencing, supply of television systems and monitoring equipment for the correctional services department.
On Wednesday, the Pretoria magistrate’s court postponed the case to 30 May in the Pretoria high court for a pretrial conference.
This is where the accused and the state will deliberate on matters that are outstanding that need to be furnished before a trial date is set, which is expected to be later in the year.
Sindisiwe Seboka, spokesperson for the Investigating Directorate, a unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said the matter was almost ready for trial and that Agrizzi’s alleged ill health was what had caused delays.
“The state also told the court today that an independent pulmonologist [a lungs and respiratory specialist] has been appointed, who will then assess Mr Angelo Agrizzi. Today [Wednesday], consent was also provided by Angelo Agrizzi’s legal team for the state to be able to go through his medical records and reports,” Seboka said.
She added that the state would not separate Agrizzi from his co-accused as the NPA had done in Agrizzi’s fraud and corruption case with former ANC parliamentarian, Vincent Smith, related to an alleged bribe of more than R800 000.
Smith, who chaired the parliamentary committee on correctional services, will make his next appearance as the only accused at the Johannesburg specialised commercial crimes court in April.
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