Vincent Smith has cleared the air about ongoing misconception surrounding the loan he took.
The former Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services said it was with Angelo Agrizzi he took out a loan and not with Bosasa.
He further said the loan was paid directly into his account so he could make use of it to pay school fees.
“I did not borrow any money from any company, the loan agreement was between me and Angelo Agrizzi and there is correspondence to that effect by way of an SMS.”
“My loan agreement was with Angelo Agrizzi and the reason why I had this agreement with Angelo Agrizzi in 2015, a few months, I don’t know the timeframe prior to that, Angelo had come to me, for instance, to help him with an unemployed son,” he said.
Smith admitted that since the ’90s he knew late Gavin Watson who happened to be Bosasa boss.
Smith further said all the meetings they had was tied around his constituency and ANC matters.
He debunked suggestions that he was involved in the department’s decision.
“Whether Mr Watson had me in his pocket or not, as per perception, the separation of power just did not allow a member of parliament to get involved in the day to day working of any department so I could not have influenced the department,” he added.
Currently, Smith is on the stand at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry.
However, the commission is listening to Bosasa related testimony.
Those that have been implicated from former Bosasa COO – Angelo Agrizzi’s testimony include Smith and other senior ANC members.
