Tebogo Msimanga |
Former parliamentarian Vincent Smith was arrested on Thurday at Alberton and he appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on charges of corruption and fraud. He was granted bail of R30 000.
He is charged in his personal capacity as well as in his capacity as sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz (Pty) Ltd, alongside Angelo Agrizzi, former BOSASA Chief Operations Officer, who did not appear in court for medical reasons.
Smith stands accused of accepting bribes in the form of security upgrades to his home and cash transferred into his personal bank account.
It is alleged that Smith used his political influence as a member of Parliament for the ruling party, to shield BOSASA from accountability for corrupting officials in the Department of Correctional Services. The officials awarded BOSASA contracts worth billions of rands.
Smith’s fraud charge emanates from his failure to disclose to the Registrar of parliamentary members that he received bribes from BOSASA.
Charges related to an investigation into the tax affairs of Smith and Euroblitz will be enrolled separately.
Smith is expected back in court on the 14th of October .
