S v Bongo (CC 06/2020) [2021] ZAWCHC 36

2nd March 2021

S v Bongo (CC 06/2020) [2021] ZAWCHC 36

Click here to read the full judgment on Saflii

The Accused in this matter, Advocate Bongani Bongo (Mr Bongo) was a member of the National Assembly from 07 May 2014 to 16 October 2017. He was a member of the executive branch of government, having served as the Minister of State Security during the period 17 October 2017 to 26 February 2018. Mr Bongo then became a Member of Parliament on 27 February 2018, a position he still presently hold. The allegation levelled against Mr Bongo is that he offered a bribe to Advocate Nthuthuzelo John Vanara (Mr Vanara), the evidence leader of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises: Eskom Inquiry, in order to delay or collapse the Inquiry. Mr Bongo denied those allegations. He stated that he knew Mr Vanara as a lawyer and had engaged him previously and had discussions with him regarding the parallel processes and enquiries. Furthermore, Mr Bongo referred to a sworn statement submitted by him before the Ethics Committee Inquiry against him. In terms of that statement Mr Bongo denied the allegations relating to collapsing the Inquiry/ and or bribing Mr Vanara.