Audio of Angelo Agrizzi on k-word tirade resurfaces

Amid renewed interest surrounding Angelo Agrizzi, audio of the former chief operating officer of Bosasa repeatedly referring to his former black business partners using the k-word has resurfaced.

The audio was first leaked and reported on late last year by City Press.

According to the publication, the audio recording resulted in a crimen injuria case, opened by Agrizzi’s former colleagues, Johannes Gumede and Papa Leshabane.

News24 editor Adriaan Basson believes the audio was obtained and leaked by Gavin Watson’s sons after Agrizzi reportedly told News24 he was ready to spill the beans.

Agrizzi said in a press statement: “I am [also] fully aware that I have been aware of all the wrongdoings, but will tender my full cooperation in resolving the matter, and bringing both clarity and truth to the matter regarding the racketeering, corruption and money laundering that I have been aware of over the last 18 years.”

In the audio, a man believed to be Agrzzi can be heard saying: “What you need Papa for? … You don’t need Joe … what you need him for? … What I’m saying to you [is] what I can’t understand is how on earth your father listens to Papa and Joe.

“Those k****rs … I’m telling you they are k****rs alright because they are screwing your father with information that he shouldn’t listen to …”

The other voices barely participate in the conversation, save for a few audible responses.

“I will f*ck each of those k****rs out there … I’m telling you now I will….”

The audio was reshared on Twitter by former Eskom interim GCEO Koko Matshela who tagged Basson, before asking: “What is going on here?”

@AdriaanBasson what is going on here? Enlighten us please if you have any knowledge of this.
It's shocking stuff#AngeloAgrizzi #StateCaptureInquiry pic.twitter.com/zPdCr25vR1

— Engineer Matšhela Koko, MBL (@koko_matshela) January 17, 2019

Agrizzi alleged Basson was a friend who had visited him before.

Basson reminded Matshela this audio was not new before dismissing Agrizzi’s claims.

The racism was exposed by City Press last year. He lies about me visiting his house with kids. I suspect he boasted to impress Watson’s kids. I only visited him once – alone – to try and get info from him. Wrote this column after CP story: https://t.co/5SHGhHMGLB

— Adriaan Basson (@AdriaanBasson) January 17, 2019

All eyes are on Agrizzi who is set to return to the stand at the Zondo Commission today after the inquiry was abruptly adjourned on Thursday afternoon following state capture allegations that the company’s politically connected chief executive, Gavin Watson, bribed his way to winning lucrative government contracts for catering, security, and facilities management services.

Commission chair Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo adjourned proceedings to address security issues after Agrizzi raised red flags over the presence of a former policeman and Bosasa’s head of security, Solomon Segale.

The former cop allegedly gained entry to the venue using his expired police ID card.

ALSO READ: Agrizzi set to reveal more Bosasa dirt at Zondo inquiry

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.