We’re not backing out of Agrizzi cross-examination – ANC

The ANC has clarified that they will be continuing with their application to cross-examine former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

The party responded to reports that they had backed out of cross-examining Agrizzi following allegations of bribes paid to the ANC’s top six.

They said they noted the reports, which had misrepresented the party’s position on their application to cross-examine Agrizzi. In clarifying, the ANC said their application to the Zondo commission had been acknowledged by the commission. They were continuing with their intent to cross-examine Agrizzi and awaited further communication from the commission.

“Although Mr Agrizzi changed some of his allegations, the ruling party has no intention of ceding its constitutional right to cross-examine him, in order to get to the truth behind his very grave allegations.

“The request lodged by the ANC is in line with our consistent support for the work of the commission. And, as stated from the onset, we will not provide a running commentary, but make submissions as and when required, to support the work and conclusions of the commission.”

Earlier reports were in response to a comment taken from the party’s spokesperson Dakota Legoete, who was quoted to have said the party would not cross-examine Agrizzi because they believed he had clarified allegations Agrizzi made against the party’s top six.

Legoete reportedly told Business Day  that he clarified the allegations about them receiving money from Bosasa.

He told the publication: “Mr Agrizzi has clarified that these alleged payments to the top six were donations, not bribes. We have received legal advice that there is, therefore, no need to cross-examine him.”

The African National Congress had, in March, applied to cross-examine Agrizzi after he made allegations that Bosasa made large donations to government officials, including some to the top six of the governing party.

Agrizzi claimed he was aware of cheques of up to R12 million sent to the ANC top six, prompting Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to tell him that he must produce evidence to back up this claim.

(Compiled by Gopolang Chawane, additional reporting by Vhahangwele Nemakonde and Makhosandile Zulu)

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