Former Correctional Services deputy minister Thabang Makwetla has been granted bail after appearing in court over home security upgrades, allegedly funded by government contractor Bosasa.
Makwetla was arrested by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, according to IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
He faces charges under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud, relating to an alleged home upgrade by Bosasa in 2015 valued at around R350,000.
Failure to disclose Bosasa dealings in Parliament
Mamothame said Makwetla failed to disclose his dealings with Bosasa in Parliament for four years, violating the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests.
Makwetla was released on R10,000 bail and is scheduled to reappear in court on 4 November for disclosure.
Bosasa, a controversial multi-services company later renamed African Global Operations, was linked to alleged corrupt dealings with numerous politicians and business figures.
Makwetla joins a long list of politicians implicated in Bosasa-related graft during the State Capture Commission, including ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, former president Jacob Zuma, former ANC member of Parliament Vincent Smith, and former water affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
Bosasa’s former chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi testified at the commission, revealing the company’s alleged network of bribes and kickbacks to senior ANC politicians.
Mantashe allegedly received home security upgrades when he served as ANC secretary-general.
However, he has since dismissed the commission’s report, saying it found no prima facie evidence against him.
