Angelo Agrizzi's pivotal role in the R600,000 corruption case against businessman Trevor Mathenjwa

Former Bosasa chief operations officer Angelo Agrizzi on Friday testified virtually in the Bosasa-linked corruption case against businessman Trevor Mathenjwa, currently before the High Court in Johannesburg.

In a statement, the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) of the National Prosecuting Authority said the state led its evidence in chief through Agrizzi, who previously served as chief operations officer at Bosasa.

The NPA’s IDAC has completed leading its evidence in chief through Agrizzi and four other key witnesses. The defence has since commenced cross-examination of Agrizzi. The matter was postponed to 7 April 2026 for the continuation of cross-examination.

Mathenjwa is facing corruption charges linked to Bosasa, with the alleged gratification amounting to about R600,000. The state alleges that the money was offered and received from Bosasa and its subsidiary, Sondolo IT — where Mathenjwa is a director — for the upgrade of security systems at the home of the late Dudu Myeni.

IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the case has now entered a critical phase.

“The NPA’s IDAC has completed leading its evidence in chief on Agrizzi and four other key witnesses. Meanwhile, the defence has started its cross-examination of Agrizzi on his testimony,” Mamothame said.

Agrizzi’s testimony comes against the backdrop of his own plea agreement with the State. In November, IOL reported that the former Bosasa executive entered into a plea and sentencing agreement, admitting to charges of corruption and money laundering linked to Bosasa’s controversial contracts with the Department of Correctional Services.

At the time, Agrizzi also appeared virtually before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, assisted by an oxygen machine due to ongoing health problems. The court accepted the plea and sentencing agreement, bringing an end to his long-running criminal case.

Agrizzi is a central figure in the broader Bosasa corruption saga, having previously given extensive evidence implicating senior politicians and officials in bribery linked to government contracts. The Mathenjwa case forms part of the NPA’s ongoing prosecutions flowing from state capture-era corruption.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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