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Bongo’s 2017 Bribery Case Back on the Docket for August Hearing
In August, former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo will return to the Western Cape High Court to answer to long-standing corruption charges related to alleged meddling in the Eskom investigation by Parliament.
The accusations date back to 2017, while Bongo was still a member of parliament. He is charged with bribing Ntuthuzelo Vanara, the parliamentary legal advisor at the time, to end an inquiry into purported state capture at the power company. Vanara is currently the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) head of legal affairs.
On Tuesday, Bongo appeared briefly in the Cape Town Magistrates Court. After the State prevailed in an appeal that overturned the case’s 2021 dismissal, the matter was re-enrolled in March. That dismissal occurred when Bongo was acquitted by then-Judge President John Hlophe before he had a chance to testify, citing parliamentary staff witness testimony that lacked credibility.
However, the State wouldn’t let the issue go to rest. Prosecutors reopened the case after the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision in favor of it. The Western Cape High Court has now scheduled a pre-trial conference for August 15, 2025, marking the start of a new round of legal proceedings.
The bribery charge violates anti-corruption laws specifically related to public officials, according to a 15-page indictment. After years of accusations of corruption linked to state capture, this case may represent a major test of Parliament’s commitment to accountability.
The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, which regulates misconduct by public office bearers, could have major repercussions for Bongo if found guilty.
Public focus is once again on the relationship between political power and integrity in South Africa as this well-known case resurfaces almost eight years after the initial incident.
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Sourced:EWN
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