Guilty but free: Angelo Agrizzi pleads guilty in R1.8 billion Bosasa case, gets suspended sentence
Former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi appears virtually in court as he pleads guilty to corruption and money-laundering but avoids jail after striking a deal with the State.
Image: Timothy Bernard/ Independent Media
Former Bosasa chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi has entered into a plea agreement with the State, admitting to charges of corruption and money-laundering linked to the company’s controversial contracts with the Department of Correctional Services.
Agrizzi appeared virtually before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, assisted by an oxygen machine due to his ongoing health problems.
The court accepted a plea and sentencing agreement that brings an end to the long-running case.
Agrizzi received a 10-year sentence for each count of corruption and an additional 10 years for money-laundering — but the sentences were wholly suspended for five years, effectively sparing him from serving time behind bars.
The court heard that Agrizzi’s deteriorating health was a key factor in the decision to suspend the sentence. He has suffered several medical complications since his arrest in 2019, including a heart attack and a prolonged stay in intensive care.
Under the terms of the deal, Agrizzi is required to assist the National Prosecuting Authority and testify truthfully in any related proceedings. Failure to do so could see the suspended sentence enforced.
The plea agreement relates to tenders worth more than R1.8 billion that Bosasa and its subsidiaries secured from the Department of Correctional Services between 2004 and 2007. The company was accused of paying bribes and other “gratifications” to government officials in exchange for the lucrative contracts.
Agrizzi became a key figure in the State Capture Inquiry after giving explosive testimony to the Zondo Commission in 2019, where he detailed how Bosasa allegedly operated as a hub of corruption involving senior politicians and public servants.
The plea deal formally concludes the criminal case against Agrizzi but ensures his continued cooperation with the State in ongoing investigations linked to the Bosasa network.
IOL News