A psychiatric evaluation says Angelo Agrizzi is fit to stand trial on corruption charges. (Elizabeth Sejac/Gallo Images/Rapport)
- Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital has deemed Bosasa's former chief operating officer, Angelo Agrizzi, fit to stand trial.
- Agrizzi is facing two corruption cases related to his time as Bosasa COO.
- The matter was heard in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.
A psychiatric evaluation has found former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi fit to stand trial on corruption charges.
Prosecutor Arno Rossouw told the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday that a psychiatric evaluation had determined Mr Agrizzi was fit to stand trial.
Mr. Agrizzi underwent psychiatric observation at the Wescoppie Psychiatric Hospital and was found fit to stand trial.
A psychiatric report seen by News24 said three psychiatrists who examined Mr Agrizzi found he understood court procedures and was able to contribute meaningfully to the defense.
However, psychiatrists recommended to the court that Agrizzi consider shorter sessions and more frequent breaks than would normally be allowed to optimize his concentration due to the pain and fatigue he described. said.
A clinical psychologist at Weskoppies also evaluated Mr. Agrizzi as an outpatient, saying he understood court proceedings and could make a meaningful contribution.
He is facing two criminal charges.
The first is four tenders totaling more than R1.8 billion awarded to Bosasa and its subsidiaries by the Department of Corrections between August 2004 and 2007.
Read | Former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi goes to trial separately to avoid delays due to poor health, court rules
News24 previously reported that the tenders were for catering and training services, installation of CCTV cameras, perimeter fencing, supply of television systems and surveillance equipment.
The tenders were allegedly obtained through corruption.
News24 previously reported that Justice David Makoba had sought an expert opinion following an inquiry into court absenteeism.
Makoba cited testimony from neurosurgeon Dr. Hermann Edeling, who told the court that Agrizzi had a brain injury and was not participating meaningfully in court proceedings.
“Given the evidence obtained during the interrogation, in particular the evidence of Dr. Edeling, this court has doubts as to whether Mr. Agrizzi will be able to follow the defense and make a meaningful contribution during the trial,” Makoba said. stated in the paper. judgement.
After his arrest in October 2020, Agrizzi suffered a heart attack in prison and was placed on life support.
He spent the night in jail before being rushed to a public hospital.
His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a private hospital.
Since then, Agrizzi has appeared in court virtually, although he has not been able to physically appear in court.
His case was adjourned to April 26.