Supreme Court Orders Retrial for Bongani Bongo on Corruption Charges

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) has mandated a retrial for former state security minister and ANC MP Bongani Bongo after overturning his acquittal on corruption charges. The SCA directed the matter back to the Western Cape High Court for a fresh trial, challenging the initial decision that exonerated Bongo. The original judgment acquitting Bongo was made by then judge president John Hlophe in 2021, a ruling that has since been disavowed due to errors in law.

Acting judge John Smith, in the recent verdict, stated that had the legal mistakes not occurred, the outcome would likely have been different, with a potential conviction for Bongo. The charges against Bongo involved allegations of corruption linked to the Eskom inquiry and his purported attempt to bribe Ntuthuzelo Vanara, the evidence leader of the parliamentary investigation into Eskom.

In response to the SCA’s decision, Bongo expressed his readiness for a retrial, affirming his innocence and willingness to participate in the legal process once more. Bongo emphasized that he abides by the law and is committed to cooperating with any proceedings to demonstrate his lack of wrongdoing.

The original case against Bongo centered on claims that he offered improper inducements to Vanara to obstruct or delay the parliamentary inquiry into Eskom. Judge Hlophe had initially dismissed the charges against Bongo after his legal team applied for a discharge citing insufficient evidence for a guilty verdict.

However, Smith criticized the prior ruling, highlighting that there was clear evidence of corruption presented during the trial. The SCA underscored that the court had misconstrued elements of the corruption offense, leading to an erroneous acquittal for Bongo. As a result, the case is set to be reheard in the Western Cape High Court.

The development in Bongo’s case underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding corruption allegations in the political sphere. The outcome of the retrial could have significant implications not only for Bongo but also for the broader discourse on accountability and integrity within the ANC and South African politics.

Sources: Sowetan, Ziphozonke Lushaba/TimesLIVE