Image:File Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency/ANA After the sentencing of Vincent Smith, the NPA is intensifying its probe into the Bosasa corruption scandal, hinting at a broader crackdown on political corruption in South Africa. This was after the NPA had been called to pursue others implicated in the scandal and state capture, following Smith’s sentencing on Thursday. Civil organisations such as the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said the sentencing should pave the way for further investigations and prosecutions of those implicated in state capture.
Smith has been sentenced to seven years behind bars after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the state. He pleaded guilty to charges that include contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act 12 of 2004, fraud, money laundering and the Contravention of the Tax Act. The conviction relates to the corruption charges in his personal capacity, as well as his capacity as sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48, which he failed to disclose to Parliament.
Smith also received gratification from Bosasa, pursuant to the corrupt activities with which he, his company, Euroblitz 48 and former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi were charged. The state said Smith failed to disclose the income of Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling approximately R28 million.
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