The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has notched a victory against State Capture with the conviction and sentencing of former Member of Parliament, Vincent Smith.
The Johannesburg High Court sentenced Smith to seven years’ direct imprisonment after the former lawmaker agreed to a plea and sentence agreement with the State.
Smith was accused of accepting gratifications from controversial security company, BOSASA, in the form of security upgrades to his home.
He also allegedly accepted money transfers – through his company, Euroblitz 48 – in exchange for shielding the company from scrutiny while he was chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services.
“The conviction relates to the corruption and fraud charges in his personal capacity, as well as in his capacity as a sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48 -- which he failed to disclosed to the Registrar of parliamentary members’ interest -- the gratification that he received from BOSASA, pursuant to the corrupt activities that he [Smith], Euroblitz 48 and Agrizzi were charged for.
“He further failed to disclose the taxable income of Euroblitz 48 between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling approximately R28 million.
“Charges against Euroblitz 48 were, however, withdrawn,” the NPA said in a statement.
Smith pleaded guilty to charges, including contravention of Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Act.
“He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period. He will effectively spend seven years in prison for his actions.
“Judge Mohamed Ismail presided over the matter and accepted the plea and sentence agreement in terms of Sec 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, as presented by the State and confirmed by Smith on record.
“He remarked on the considerations he had to make, especially that the accused was a lawmaker entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the laws of the country are upheld. He described corruption as a scourge that has reached alarming levels and needs to be addressed decisively,” the statement continued.
National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, said: “In as much as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalised, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law upheld. I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter.” – SAnews.gov.za
