LISTEN: Mokonyane ‘offered Bosasa protection’
Former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi has made more shocking revelations at the commission of enquiry into state capture.
Agrizzi appeared before the commission on Monday, to continue his testimony on fraud and corruption at the controversial facilities management company.
He confirmed weekend reports that Minister of Environmental Affairs Nomvula Mokonyane allegedly received millions, if not billions, of rands in bribes from his former boss Gavin Watson.
According to Agrizzi, the relationship between Bosasa and Mokonyane started in 2002 when she was the Gauteng MEC for Safety and Security.
He said her personal assistant would call his office to request cooldrinks, whiskey, lamb, chicken and beer for African National Congress (ANC) 'Siyaqoba rallies', including midnight calls for a birthday cake for former president Jacob Zuma's 72nd birthday party.
"We did maintenance at her house in Roodepoort, which included all the electric fencing, generators, CCTV, gardening, ponds, lights, gates, absolutely everything really," said Agrizzi.
Evidence leader Paul Pretorius asked Agrizzi about his role in the provision of the benefits.
"Chair, I would be given instruction to do it by Gavin Watson, the CEO, and I would get the job done."
He alleges that Mokonyane's requests included requesting Bosasa to do a full analysis report on security in Gauteng hospitals.
Agrizzi testified that Bosasa drew up a report for Mokonyane in 2014, when she was water and sanitation minister,
The report, into the maintenance of dams in the country, cost the company R1 million. In return, Bosasa was awarded a tender to repair and maintain dams.
He said the relationship between Mokonyane and Bosasa went even further, as he personally counted and packed R50 000 that he often deliver to Mokonyane, alongside Watson, every month for several years.
"If there was a serious matter to discuss regarding the NPA, like at one stage when he wanted a senior person to withdraw a matter involving Bosasa from the police I would be there because I had to back to the attorneys and tell them exactly what I had been told politically."
Agrizzi said Mokonyane would inform Watson that she would speak to Zuma to have any charges against Bosasa withdrawn.
He added that in his opinion, the bribes given to Mokonyane were not worth it as Bosasa did not benefit any of the favours she had promised, including burying a Special Investigating Unit report into the company.
After lunch, Agrizzi said he wanted to clarify what he said, stating that Mokonyane was powerful as she was close to Zuma and some of what they needed she got done.
His testimony continues.