ANC MP Bongani Bongo arrested for corruption
The chair of Parliament's home affairs committee Bongani Bongo has arrested on corruption-related charges.
Former state security minister and ANC MP appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on 13 charges of corruption on Thursday.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Western Cape spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila says Bongo has been granted bail of R5 000.
"It relates to an incident that happened during the inquiry into Eskom the state alleges that he offered money to the evidence leader who Advocates Mthuthuzeli Vanara."
"There are conditions that are linked to the bail which include that he must not be in contact with any of the witnesses in whatever way and that if he plans to travel he must inform the investigating officer two weeks prior the travelling," he said.
Ntabazalila says Bongo will appear in the Western Cape High Court at the end of January.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) Chief Whip, Natasha Mazzone says the party has welcomed the Hawks' action against Bongo.
"In fact, on 22 November 2017, the DA Interim Leader, John Steenhuisen, laid criminal charges against Bongo in terms of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act. These charges related directly to the allegations that Bongo offered Advocate Vanara a bribe in exchange for stepping down as evidence leader in the Inquiry."
"We have always held the view that the then Minister’s actions were a gross violation of the law and his oath as a Member of the Executive."
"Bongo is but one of many State Capture foot soldiers who actively participated in the selling off of our country and we can only hope that his arrest will be the first of many," she said.
