Former State Security Minister granted R5 000 bail in corruption case

Former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo has been granted R5 000 bail, following his arrest for alleged corruption.

Bongo (47) made a brief appearance at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, after his arrest in the morning of the same day.

Bongo is accused of offering a bribe to evidence leader in Parliament’s Eskom inquiry, Ntuthuzelo Vanara, in 2017, and also contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).

He is being re-tried after he was acquitted by former Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, who dismissed the charges against Bong in 2021.

However, the matter went back to the court after Supreme Court of Appeal Judge John Smith, appealed the decision, and ordered that the matter be heard afresh, granting the retrial.

“It is reported that during September to October 2017, the accused approached a member of the then Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to allegedly arrange a meeting to prevent the next sitting, where Eskom board was to account.

“Eventually, the suspect secured the meeting wherein he indicated that the Portfolio Committee sitting with the Eskom board cannot proceed as planned and indicated that was possible if the member named his price,” National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya said on Tuesday.

Bongo is expected to reappear in court on 4 March 2025.

The accused, a former member of the National Assembly, was sworn in as a Member of the Executive and Cabinet, and the Minister of State Security, a position he occupied until 28 May 2024.

All MP’s are bound by the Code of Ethics, and all other ethical and other obligations and duties arising from the Constitution, the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, No. 4 of 2004, and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (“PRECCA”).

Lebeya vowed that the Directorate will continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice.

He also commended the investigating team and encouraged the prosecution team to ensure the South African citizenry receive the deserved justice due to them.