Govt, COSATU welcome sentencing of former ANC MP Vincent Smith

National government and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) have welcomed the sentencing of former Member of Parliament, Vincent Smith, to seven years in prison for fraud and corruption related to the Bosasa State Capture scandal.

The Johannesburg High Court handed down the sentence on Thursday after Smith reached a plea and sentence agreement regarding gratification he received from Bosasa.

Smith pleaded guilty to charges of corruption, fraud, money laundering, and contravening the Tax Act.

Bosasa became a focal point of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture in 2019. The company was awarded government contracts exceeding R2 billion, with an estimated R76 million paid out in bribes to various officials.

Following the court proceedings, Smith was escorted by police to a holding cell to begin serving his term of direct imprisonment.

Government spokesperson William Baloyi said that the sentencing reflects a firm commitment to intensifying the fight against corruption.

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"Government reiterates that no one is above the law and that the country’s democratic institutions remain resolute in the fight against corruption," Baloyi said.

COSATU's Parliamentary Coordinator, Matthew Parks, described the sentence as a significant step forward for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Parks noted that the conviction of a former parliamentary committee chairperson and member of the ruling party serves as a "powerful affirmation" of the rule of law.

"This sentencing sends a powerful message to society that the wheels of justice are beginning to move," Parks stated. "The rule of law applies to all, especially those entrusted by the public to lead government."

Parks concluded by calling on the government to provide the NPA with increased resources to sustain the momentum in high-profile corruption cases.