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High-Profile Corruption Scandal: Ex-Prisons Deputy Minister Busted in Bosasa Probe

Published 6 days ago2 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
High-Profile Corruption Scandal: Ex-Prisons Deputy Minister Busted in Bosasa Probe

Former Correctional Services deputy minister Thabang Makwetla has been granted bail following his appearance in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Makwetla was arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and is facing serious charges related to alleged home security upgrades reportedly funded by the controversial government contractor, Bosasa. According to IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame, Makwetla faces charges under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud.

The specific allegations against Makwetla involve an alleged home upgrade performed by Bosasa in 2015, which was valued at approximately R350,000. A critical component of the charges is Makwetla's failure to disclose his dealings with Bosasa in Parliament for a period of four years. This omission is considered a violation of the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests. Subsequent to his court appearance, Makwetla was released on R10,000 bail and is scheduled to reappear in court on 4 November for further disclosure proceedings.

Bosasa, a multi-services company that was later rebranded as African Global Operations, became infamous for its alleged corrupt dealings with numerous high-profile politicians and business figures. The company's activities were extensively scrutinized during the State Capture Commission, where its former chief operations officer, Angelo Agrizzi, provided detailed testimony. Agrizzi's revelations painted a picture of an alleged network of bribes and kickbacks that Bosasa purportedly offered to senior African National Congress (ANC) politicians to secure influence and contracts.

Makwetla's current legal troubles place him among a significant list of politicians who have been implicated in Bosasa-related graft during the State Capture Commission. This list includes prominent individuals such as ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, former president Jacob Zuma, former ANC member of Parliament Vincent Smith, and former water affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane. It is noteworthy that Gwede Mantashe himself allegedly received home security upgrades during his time as ANC secretary-general, illustrating a recurring pattern of alleged illicit benefits provided by Bosasa to influential public officials.

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