The Johannesburg High Court sentenced the former MP, Vincent Smith to seven years direct imprisonment after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the state.
Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Media
The Johannesburg High Court has handed down a sentence of seven years' direct imprisonment to former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith, following a plea and sentence agreement with the state.
Judge Ismail accepted the plea agreement in accordance with Section 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act.
During the proceedings, the judge expressed grave concern over what he characterised as a "scourge" of corruption that has infiltrated various levels of society, asserting that it necessitates decisive action.
Smith pleaded guilty to charges that include the Contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and the Contravention of the Tax Act. He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.
He will effectively spend seven years in prison for his actions.
National Prosecuting Authority's Investigations Directorate Anti-Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said the conviction relates to the corruption and fraud charges in his personal capacity, as well as in his capacity as a sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48, to which he failed to disclosed to the Registrar of parliamentary members' interests, the gratification that he received from BOSASA, pursuant to the corrupt activities with which he, Euroblitz 48, and Agrizzi were charged for.
He further failed to disclose the taxable income of Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling to approximately R28 million. Charges against Euroblitz were, however, withdrawn.
National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi, added that in as much as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalised, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law upheld.
"I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter”, Mothibi said.
IOL