Johannesburg – Former Bosasa chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi is expected to return to the Zondo Commission of inquiry into state capture tomorrow.
This time around Agrizzi, who has not made court appearances and failed to pitch at the commission citing ill-health, will be cross-examined by businessman Kevin Wakeford.
Agrizzi told the commission in 2019 that Wakeford, who was a consultant for Bosasa, was paid R100 000 a month to influence SA Revenue Services investigations into the controversial facilities management company.
The former Bosasa COO also alleged that Wakeford played a role in Bosasa’s renegotiated contract with the department of home affairs.
Wakeford, a friend of the late Bosasa chief executive officer Gavin Watson, has since denied allegations leveled against him by Agrizzi.
Last month, Wakeford told the commission that he was paid R50 000 a month by Bosasa, not R100 000 as alleged by Agrizzi.
“I worked for Bosasa for nine years without a pay increase because I believed in their vision,” Wakeford said, adding that he had a tenuous relationship with Agrizzi, who he accused of not paying him for months to frustrate him.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo clarified that Agrizzi’s cross-examination was not scheduled for today but rather tomorrow.
All eyes will be on whether he will make a physical appearance before the commission.
Agrizzi has of late been a no-show at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court and the commission, citing ill-health on Friday, after he was a no-show in March, citing ill-health.
Agrizzi was supposed to appear in court alongside his co-accused, former ANC MP Vincent Smith, on charges of fraud and corruption.
The state alleges that Agrizzi paid bribes to Smith – who was at the time chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on correctional services – to quash criticism against Bosasa.
Last month, Agrizzi told the commission in an affidavit he was willing to help the commission but “my medical condition is restricting me”.
However, it emerged that in late April Agrizzi attended 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 state alleges that Agrizzi paid bribes to Smith – who was at the time chairperson of Parliament’s portfolio committee on correctional services – to quash criticism against Bosasa.
But Smith maintained that the R615 000 he received from Agrizzi was a loan to pay for his daughter’s tuition.
The pair are expected at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday.
The National Prosecuting Authority said 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 they “could not comment on private matters involving Mr Agrizzi”.
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