The Johannesburg High Court sentenced the former MP, Vincent Smith to seven years direct imprisonment for fraud and corruption photo supplied
By Henry Mamothame
Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) Spokesperson
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.
Judge Mohamed Ismail presided over the matter and accepted the plea and sentence agreement in terms of Sec 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, as presented by the state and confirmed by Smith on record.
He remarked on the considerations he had to make, especially that the accused was a lawmaker entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the laws of the country are upheld.
He described corruption as a scourge that has reached alarming levels, and needs to be addressed decisively.
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.
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’ interest, 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Charges against Euroblitz were however withdrawn.
The NPA’s IDAC remains committed to ensuring that state capture matters are dealt with and that the courts hold those accountable for their alleged criminality.
“In as much as the trial took longer that anticipated to be finalise, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law upheld.
I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter”, remarked the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi.
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