Agrizzi ordered to pay State R1.66bn in proceeds linked to Bosasa corruption

The State has secured a R1.66 billion confiscation order against former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi, with the Gauteng High Court ruling that he must repay proceeds linked to corruption, plus interest.

Former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi has been ordered to pay the State more than R1.66 billion in proceeds linked to corruption, following a Gauteng High Court judgment.

The judgment, delivered by Judge Mosopa in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday, October 29, 2026, also ordered Agrizzi to pay interest on the amount from the date of judgment until final payment.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Andy Mothibi, welcomed the ruling, describing it as an important step in recovering money linked to corruption.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaize Kganyago said the confiscation order followed Agrizzi’s conviction and sentence on November 6, 2025.

Agrizzi had entered into a plea and sentence agreement in which he pleaded guilty to three counts of corruption and one count of money laundering arising from his role at Bosasa.

Agrizzi became a key figure in the State Capture Inquiry after giving explosive testimony to the Zondo Commission in 2019, where he detailed how Bosasa allegedly operated as a hub of corruption involving senior politicians and public servants.

Kganyago said, "Confiscation was not determined as part of that agreement and was subsequently dealt with through a separate enquiry heard on July 30, 2026.”

“The judgment records admissions detailing a deeply entrenched system of corruption used to secure and maintain government contracts, with Agrizzi personally involved in preparing cash bundles used for bribes.”

Kganyago said the confiscation inquiry concerned the benefit derived from Agrizzi’s offences and sufficiently related criminal activities, rather than being confined to the individual payments identified in the criminal charges.

“The NDPP welcomes the court’s acceptance of the central thrust of the State’s case that Agrizzi’s participation in Bosasa’s unlawful enterprise, and the benefits derived from it, could not be separated in the manner he proposed.”

“The State argued that his participation in the joint criminal enterprise justified the attribution of its proceeds to him, rather than limiting the enquiry to amounts he personally retained.”

He said the judgment demonstrates the potentially significant financial consequences for those who knowingly participate in or facilitate corrupt enterprises.

“It also reinforces the principle that the criminal justice system must pursue not only convictions and sentences, but also the proceeds and financial benefits derived from crime.”

Kganyago said the court found that Agrizzi had failed to make full and frank disclosure of his financial affairs and had concealed property, including property abroad.

“The court further found that Agrizzi had failed to make full and frank disclosure of his financial affairs and had concealed property, including property abroad.”

“It was not satisfied that the amount that might be realised was less than the value of the proceeds attributed to him and accordingly declined to limit the confiscation order on that basis.”

Kganyago said confiscation was distinct from the sentence imposed following a criminal conviction.

“Its purpose is to deprive offenders of the financial benefits derived from criminal conduct.”

Kganyago said Mothibi regarded the judgment as an important step in advancing financial accountability in relation to Bosasa-linked corruption and reinforcing the NPA’s commitment to ensuring that crime does not pay.

“Importantly, the order creates a legal obligation on Agrizzi to pay the amount determined by the court.”

“It does not mean that R1.66 billion has already been recovered by the State. The amount recovered will depend on the assets available and the enforcement process.”

The court also ordered Agrizzi to pay the legal costs of the proceedings, including the costs of two counsel on Scale C.

It further directed that the fees of the curator bonis, Johan Engelbrecht of Icon Insolvency Practitioners, be paid from money derived from Agrizzi’s realisable property and paid to the State.

Delivering the judgment, Mosopa said, “the defendant (Agrizzi) is ordered to pay the State the sum of R1 666 582 825.73 with interest calculated from the date of judgment until the date of final payment.”

The curator bonis' fees are to be paid from the money derived from the defendant's realisable property paid to the State.

Agrizzi was also ordered to pay the costs, including those occasioned by the employment of two counsel.

“The NPA remains committed to pursuing those who profit from corruption and, where the law and evidence permit, to recover the proceeds of crime.”