Riyaz Patel
Gavin Watson, CEO of controversial and corruption-linked company Bosasa, now African Global Operations, died Monday in a car crash.
The crash happened on the R21 close to OR Tambo International Airport.
The Germiston mortuary registry reportedly lists Gavin Joseph Watson as the deceased of the car accident.
The body of the Bosasa CEO was admitted to the mortuary just after 08:00 am. The registry contains the first six digits of Watson’s identity number.
This is the police statement issued shortly after the crash.
Watson (73) and some senior managers at his company – including former COO Angelo Agrizzi – have been implicated in pumping government officials with money and other lavish gifts in exchange for favours.
His company is alleged to have pumped millions of rand into ANC campaigns.
Watson has most recently been embroiled in controversial donation to President Cyril Ramphosa’s ANC presidential campaign.
R500,000 was donated to the ANC campaign, and was exposed after DA leader Mmusi Maimane asked the president about the donation in Parliament. Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane is investigating the matter.
Watson’s death sent the speculation mill into overdrive.
Agrizzi told the Zondo commission of inquiry that Watson had a close relationship with former President Jacob Zuma, saying it made Watson feel “untouchable.”
