LISTEN: How Bosasa captured correctional services
Former Bosasa Chief Operating Officer (COO) Angelo Agrizzi has continued to spill the beans on government officials and their alleged dealings with the company.
On Tuesday, Agrizzi implicated former commissioner of correctional services Linda Mti, who was found to have awarded illegal tenders worth R1 billion by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in 2013.
Mti was appointed the head of safety and security at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality following his resignation, a move which was heavily criticised by opposition parties.
His tenure was short-lived as he decided to retire.
However, Agrizzi told the commission on Tuesday that Bosasa continued to pay Mti R65 000 a month in cash, money which was delivered to his doorstep.
"How did you learn of this payment apart from seeing this grey security bag being handed over?" asked evidence leader, Advocate Paul Pretorius .
"On our way back from Mti's house, I would drive the car normally. What happened was Gavin Watson (Bosasa CEO) would say: ‘you see, this is monopoly money but that fat man delivers on his promises. If he promises something, he gets it done’," Agrizzi said.
Agizzi also implicated the Department of Correctional Service's Chief Financial Officer, Patrick Gillingham, whom he said was also paid a monthly fee for several tenders which were awarded to Bosasa.
Agrizzi says an elaborate scheme was set up in 2005, when a company called Phezulu Fencing was awarded what he claims was the biggest tender in sub-Saharan Africa to do high-quality security fencing for the department.
At the time, Bosasa was in the midst of an SIU investigation and it was agreed that Phezulu Fencing would bid for the tender with several other companies as sub-contractors.
Mti and Gillingham would ensure that Phezulu Fencing is awarded the contract, and give Bosasa an upper hand in the tender process.
He in addition to the money Mti was paid by Bosasa, there were other benefits.
Pretorius: "You have told the chair that Bosasa paid for studies of two children of Mr. Mti?"
Agrizzi: “That is correct.”
Pretorius: “Were any other benefits provided to Mr. Mti at a later stage, after the World Cup?”
Agrizzi: “Well, there was a security guard to look after him by Bosasa, Joe Gumede (Bosasa Executive Chairman) appointed it. Mr. Gumede also requested cash money once, he wanted to bribe a court official at one of the courts to get rid of drunk and driving charge against Mti.“
He added that he created a bank account into his late father-in-law’s name which was used to pay for flight tickets for Mti and other politicians and officials who were on Bosasa’s payroll.
His testimony continues.