The African National Congress has applied to cross-examine Angelo Agrizzi, Bosasa’s former chief operating officer, at the commission of inquiry into state capture.
During two spells of his testimony at the Zondo Commission, Agrizzi has levelled a string of allegations of tender-rigging and bribery against several top-ranking ANC leaders. He claimed that Bosasa (now known as African Global Operations) bought the politicians’ influence in a bid to secure multi-million rand government deals.
On Thursday, Agrizzi revealed before the commission that Bosasa made large donations to government officials, including some high-ranking members of the governing party. He claimed he was aware of cheques of up to R12 million sent to the ANC top six which included former ANC president Jacob Zuma, former deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, former secretary-general Gwede Mantashe and his deputy Jesse Duarte, former chairperson Baleka Mbete, and former ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize.
The revelation prompted Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to tell him that he must produce evidence to back up this claim. Justice Zondo told Agrizzi if he doesn’t have documents or proof to back up the claim, he must approach the commission’s legal team who could assist him.
“The leadership of the ANC has publicly stated that it will, at an appropriate time, present itself to the commission where the ANC will make a full submission that will answer all allegations tabled against it,” ANC spokesperson Dakota Legoete said in a statement released on Friday, reported News24.
Legoete said Mr Agrizzi’s testimony cannot be left unchallenged, so, the party has called out for a comprehensive submission to the Commission. He added that his party was confident that the commission will give the ANC the opportunity to cross-examine Agrizzi on his allegations.
Meanwhile, Environmental Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on Thursday revealed that she would apply to cross-examine Agrizzi, after he once again implicated her in his testimony. The former Basosa executive claimed that Mokonyane received R50 000 a month in cash from the company as she was a powerful figure in the government.
