Angelo Agrizzi walks free after guilty plea in R1.8 billion Bosasa scandal

Former Bosasa Chief Operating Officer Angelo Agrizzi on Thursday pleaded guilty to corruption and money laundering tied to the company's R1.8 billion fraud scheme involving bribes for government contracts.

He entered a plea agreement with the National Prosecuting Authority, resulting in a suspended sentence rather than immediate imprisonment.

Agrizzi, who appeared virtually in the Gauteng High Court while relying on an oxygen machine due to serious health issues, including a recent heart attack, pleaded guilty to charges linked to contracts awarded to Bosasa and its subsidiaries between 2004 and 2007. The plea deal imposed a 10‑year sentence for each count of corruption and an additional 10 years for money‑laundering, all suspended for five years.

The court cited Agrizzi’s deteriorating health and his commitment to cooperate with ongoing investigations as key factors in the decision to suspend the sentence. Under the agreement, he is required to provide truthful testimony in any related proceedings. Failure to comply could see the suspended sentence enforced.

The contracts under scrutiny included services such as catering, security fencing, CCTV installation, and training for the Department of Correctional Services. These agreements had previously been highlighted by the Special Investigating Unit for irregularities, and Agrizzi himself had testified extensively during the Zondo Commission into state capture, detailing how Bosasa allegedly bribed senior officials and politicians to secure lucrative deals.

With Agrizzi’s case concluded, attention now turns to other individuals and entities implicated in the Bosasa network. Investigators continue to pursue accountability for those involved, and the plea deal has underscored the importance of cooperation in resolving complex corruption cases while balancing humanitarian considerations.