By Levy Masiteng
The Johannesburg High Court has sentenced former ANC Member of Parliament (MP) Vincent Smith to seven years’ direct imprisonment after he reached a plea and sentence agreement with the state.
The sentence was handed down on Thursday after Smith entered into an agreement with prosecutors in terms of Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
During the court proceedings, Smith pleaded guilty to several charges, including contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and contravention of the Tax Act.
For these offences, the court imposed 12-year sentences on each count, with five years of each sentence suspended on condition that Smith does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.
The sentences effectively mean Smith will serve seven years behind bars.
Presiding over the matter, Judge Mohamed Ismail accepted the plea and sentence agreement presented by the state and confirmed by Smith on record.
In delivering judgment, Ismail emphasised the seriousness of corruption, particularly when committed by public officials tasked with making and safeguarding the country’s laws.
“Corruption is a scourge that has reached alarming levels and needs to be addressed decisively,” the judge said while outlining the factors considered before accepting the plea agreement.
The conviction stems from corruption and fraud committed by Smith both in his personal capacity and as the sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Smith failed to disclose to the Registrar of Parliamentary Members’ Interests the gratification he received from Bosasa in relation to corrupt dealings involving himself, Euroblitz 48 and former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi.
Investigations further revealed that Smith did not declare taxable income generated by Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, amounting to approximately R28 million.
Charges against Euroblitz were later withdrawn.
The office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), through the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), welcomed the outcome of the case.
“Inasmuch as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalised, the wheels of justice have finally turned and the rule of law has been upheld. I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter,” said national director of public prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi.
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