Bosasa: all involved must pay

THE testimony provided by former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi and others made it almost inevitable that the facility services company would fold.

As it stands, the testimony given at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture were allegations but this did not stop Absa and FNB from informing African Global Operations (formerly known as Bosasa) that company accounts would be closed, including Agrizzi’s family trust account.

The decision of these two major banks follows a similar parting of ways between the country’s four major banks and the Guptas after allegations of state capture emerged.

For Bosasa, it was the damning testimony of Agrizzi, who said the company had used bribery to get its hands on an estimated R12bn worth of state contracts, that has led to the company’s demise.

Seven former company officials, including Agrizzi, have been arrested with the suggestion that more will follow. As a result of Bosasa’s alleged links to bribery and corruption 4 500 people have lost their jobs but it is unlikely these employees were among those who benefited the most from the alleged corrupt activities.

It is imperative that those involved in the Bosasa scandal are held accountable for their actions.