NPA planning to subpoena Agrizzi’s doctor to determine if he can stand trial

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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has informed the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court that it is planning to subpoena Angelo Agrizzi’s doctor to determine if the former Bosasa Chief Operating Officer can stand trial or not.

This comes after Agrizzi missed several court appearances with co-accused, former African National Congress Member of Parliament, Vincent Smith.

Smith is charged with corruption for the alleged gratifications he received from Bosasa in the form of security upgrades to his Gauteng home as well as cash transferred into his personal bank account.

In addition, he is charged with fraud for failing to disclose to parliament’s register of members’ interests, the gratifications received from Bosasa.

Spokesperson for the Investigating Directorate, Sindisiwe Seboka, says they need to find out if Agrizzi is fit to stand trial.

“On 8 July 2021, the state applied for the separation of trials, which the court granted. This was motivated by the infringement of Smith’s rights to a speedy trial, which was affected by Mr. Angelo Agrizzi’s absence in court due to ill health. Today, the Investigating Directorate has informed the court of its plans to subpoena Angelo Agrizzi’s doctor in order to make a determination on whether Agrizzi can stand trial or not.”

Agrizzi fails to appear in court:

Smith will know by 2 November what the final indictment against him is going to look like.

He appeared briefly at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Seboka says Smith was initially charged together with Angelo Agrizzi, but the trials were separated because of Agrizzi’s ill health.

“The matter of former Parliamentarian Vincent Smith has been set down for 2 November 2021. The postponement is due to Smith appointing new lawyers as well as for the state to disclose the final indictment. Smith stands accused in his personal capacity as well as representative capacity for his company Euroblitz 48 Pty Ltd.”

2 days ago