Former deputy social development minister David Malatsi will this Friday join former Western Cape premier Peter Marais on charges of corruption for soliciting two donations of R300 000 and R100 000 for the New National Party from Count Riccardo Agusta — a neighbour, friend, relative and business associate of alleged Mafia kingpin Vito Palazzolo.
Marais was on Wednesday released on R10 000 bail following his appearance at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court hours after he handed himself over to Scorpions investigators.
It is understood Malatsi could also face further charges like theft and attempted fraud for using part of the R100 000 donation to the NNP to pay for his accommodation costs during the World Summit. This after his department had turned down the claim.
Both men were suspended by the NNP last month and became the subject of a criminal investigation over irregularities in the approval of Agusta’s controversial golf de-velopment near Plettenberg Bay.
Wednesday’s party disciplinary hearing was postponed to March.
It is understood that at this stage the count’s legal representatives have yet to meet with Scorpion investigators.