Whistleblower safety scare halts Zondo commission hearing

Concerns over the security of former Bosasa chief operating officer (COO) Angelo Agrizzi led to Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo adjourning proceedings after lunch yesterday at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Earlier, the smartly dressed Agrizzi arrived at the commission, heavily guarded by four armed men and proceeded giving testimony implicating several high-profile individuals.

Concerned about his safety, he told Zondo about receiving death threats after leaving facilities management company Bosasa, where he served for years as a trusted lieutenant to chief executive officer Gavin Watson.

“Four years ago, I employed a former SA Police Service captain, Solomon Segale, at Bosasa. He reported to chairman Joe Gumede,” said Agrizzi. “I am concerned that yesterday he was here without proper accreditation and mingled with police.

“He was standing outside the hearing precinct with police officers and used an expired police identity to gain entry.”

Segale, who is currently serving as Bosasa’s operations manager based at the OR Tambo International Airport, is responsible for planning and execution of tactical operations at the company.

Reassuring Agrizzi that his security concerns would be addressed by the commission, Zondo said the complaint would be fully investigated by the commission’s legal team.

“We were supposed to resume at 2pm. But we did not because there was a security situation in the building connected to the hearing that had to be looked into,” said Zondo. “The work of this commission will not stop and we are going to continue.”

Zondo said the hearing would continue today.

During his testimony, Agrizzi related an encounter with Watson and Killer Ximba at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton, saying he worked “in a dangerous environment”.

“If you got to know too much, it was easy to be disposed of.

“I was once called to a meeting with Gavin (Watson) at the Michelangelo Hotel where I met a gentleman by the name of Killer Ximba.

“Next to the fish tank, a bag was opened and shown to me. A big weapon was inside and I was warned that if I did not do what was expected of me, I would be dealt with.”

– brians@citizen.co.za

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