Agrizzi sees death in his future after second testimony

Former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi sees a bleak future for himself after his second round of testimony at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture.

Agrizzi, after confirming he would testify to provide further details of underhand dealings with high profile politicians and officials, said he had received a plethora of death threats in the form of texts, messages left on his car windscreen, and phone calls, he told City Press.

“All I can tell you is that, after the testimony, you might meet me at my funeral.

“I am afraid of what will happen after the testimony, but I am going ahead with what I have already started,” he said.

The 51-year-old is expected to spill more beans this week when he provides testimony at the commission into how Bosasa paid bribes to politicians and officials.

City Press claims Agrizzi has compiled a 120-page supplementary affidavit where he details underhand deals relating to how African Global Operations, formerly known as Bosasa, paid the bribes to officials.

An announcement by the commission’s evidence leader, Paul Pretorius, on Monday indicated that the inquiry is planning to hear testimony from Agrizzi and Bosasa’s Peet Venter this week, although he added that this is “subject to logistical considerations”.

Agrizzi, who was only expected to be cross-examined in April, will possibly outline details in his supplementary affidavit which reportedly contains more names and evidence to back up the allegations he will be making.

The affidavit, which was compiled in consultation with the state capture commission investigators, follows his initial explosive testimony which fingered high profile officials in underhanded deals with Bosasa.

Agrizzi, who is headhunted for cross-examination by various officials, as well as journalists, was arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering last month after his January testimony where he told the commission that Bosasa boss Gavin Watson offered him R50 million for his silence.

Agrizzi’s explosive previous testimony revealed details of alleged corruption at the company during his employ there.

The Zondo commission has postponed testimony from former Free State MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, who is expected to implicate ANC secretary-general and former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s dealings with the Gupta brothers, to April 5.

(Compiled by Gopolang Chawane)

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