Ex-ANC MP Vincent Smith Jailed Seven Years After Admitting Corruption And Fraud

The Johannesburg High Court has sentenced former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith to seven years of direct imprisonment after he entered into a plea and sentence agreement with the state.

The agreement was accepted by Judge Ismail Mohamed, who approved it under Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.

During proceedings, the judge expressed serious concern about corruption, describing it as a “scourge” affecting multiple layers of society and stressing the need for decisive action.

Vincent Smith Admits Corruption, Fraud And Money Laundering Offences

Smith pleaded guilty to several charges, including contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, as well as fraud, money laundering and violations of the Income Tax Act.

The court imposed a 12-year sentence for each count. However, the sentences were suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during that time.

As a result, Smith will effectively serve seven years behind bars.

Undisclosed BOSASA Benefits And R28 Million In Taxable Income

According to National Prosecuting Authority Investigations Directorate Against Corruption spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the case relates to corruption and fraud committed both personally and through Smith’s company, Euroblitz 48.

Mamothame said Smith, as the company’s sole director and shareholder, did not disclose to Parliament’s registrar of members’ interests the gratification he received from BOSASA.

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The payments formed part of corrupt activities involving Smith, Euroblitz 48 and former BOSASA executive Angelo Agrizzi.

He also failed to declare taxable income generated by Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, amounting to approximately R28 million. Charges against the company were later withdrawn.

NPA Says Justice Served After Lengthy Legal Process

National Director of Public Prosecutions Andy Mothibi said that although the case took longer than expected to conclude, the outcome shows that the rule of law prevailed.

“I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter”, Mothibi said.