Johannesburg – All eyes will be on whether corruption accused Angelo Agrizzi will make an appearance before the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday, after he was a no-show in March, citing ill-health.
Questions have been raised whether the former Bosasa chief operations officer (COO) was avoiding appearing in court and before the Zondo Commission into State Capture.
In an affidavit deposed to the commission a fortnight ago, Agrizzi said he was willing to help the commission but “my medical condition is restricting me”.
On March 9, Agrizzi’s lawyer Daniel Witz told the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court that his client’s doctors had advised him not to make public appearances as he would contract Covid-19.
However, it has emerged that in late April, Agrizzi att ended the wedding of his daughter Natasha Natus (previously Agrizzi) at the Bakenhof Winelands Venue, which is situated 50 minutes from Cape Town.
In the pictures of the wedding Agrizzi, who was not wearing a mask, is seen walking Natasha down the aisle.
Agrizzi was supposed to appear in court alongside his co-accused, former ANC MP Vincent Smith, on charges of fraud and corruption.
The pair is expected at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said that as an accused person, Agrizzi is expected to appear as ordered by the court.
On the issue of the wedding, NPA’s investigative directorate spokesperson Sindi Twala said it “could not comment on private matters involving Mr Agrizzi”.
The commission’s Mbuyiseni Stemela did not respond to written questions.
Agrizzi’s lawyer Daniel Witz said his client attended the wedding with the “full knowledge and permission of the NPA and SAPS”.
“He attended the wedding only on the permission of his medical team / specialists and drove to the wedding in order that he could take all of his containers / medication / assistance in order to be there for his family. We offered the Zondo commission to attend virtually and he will assist if the relevant arrangements can be made,” he said.
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