‘I’m a good guy’: Corruption-accused Bongani Bongo ready to face retrial

CAPE TOWN - Former State Security Minister and African National Congress (ANC) member of Parliament (MP) Bongani Bongo says he’s ready to face a re-trial in the State’s corruption case against him in the Western Cape High Court.

Bongo told Eyewitness News he was at peace with Monday’s Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling overturning the decision of former Judge President John Hlophe, who discharged the State’s case against him in 2021 over lack of evidence.

It is alleged Bongo tried to bribe the evidence leader in Parliament’s 2017 inquiry into State capture at Eskom in attempts to derail the probe.

Hlophe also dismissed the State’s application in 2022 challenging six questions of law without providing reasons.

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The SCA said the High Court’s findings on the probabilities of a bribe being offered were based on a misunderstanding of the legal elements of the offences. It added the High Court erred in its assessment of the evidence presented by the State, and that a reasonable court might have convicted Bongo.

‘I’M NOT MOVED’

Serving out his last days as an MP for 10 years, Bongo said he would not shirk a retrial in a matter that’s dogged his parliamentary career, because the truth will prevail.

“I’m not moved. I think we need to go to deal with this matter. We need to deal with it because I need to return to my good name. I have a good name. I’m a good guy; I’m a good person.”

Bongo, a lawyer by profession, said following Monday’s SCA ruling, he was looking forward to presenting his version of events this time around - the sooner, the better.

In the previous trial, Bongo pleaded not guilty to corruption charges, and submitted a written version of his testimony to the court. But he asked the court to discharge the case after testimony from State witnesses, which included a number of Parliament officials, meaning he did not testify.

“If another judge says I must come back, I will always come back. I respect the law, I’m a law-abiding citizen. Everything that’s law is what I follow.”

Bongo is also facing judgment later this week in an unrelated corruption matter in Nelspruit.

NPA LAUDS SUCCESS

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape says it’s pleased the SCA found in its favour to retry Bongo for corruption.

NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila: “The Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Nicolette Bell lauded the success as it emphasised the NPA’s stance to ensure there are just outcomes in the rule of law. She thanked the team from the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit who worked on the matter from the trial stage for their dedication and perseverance.”