Former South African Airways (SAA) board chairperson Dudu Myeni, alongside former Bosasa executive Trevor Mathenjwa, recently appeared in the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court facing charges of fraud and corruption.
Here’s how Dudu Myeni’s arrest is linked to Bosasa corruption
These charges are connected to the sprawling Bosasa corruption scandal, with both individuals granted bail.
The Investigating Directorate’s spokesperson, Sindisiwe Twala, confirmed that Myeni and Mathenjwa faced charges linked to alleged Bosasa corruption totalling R300,000.
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WADS OF CASH STUFFED IN A LOUIS VUITTON BAG
This development follows allegations reported by Daily Maverick in March 2022, stating that Myeni received a Louis Vuitton bag containing a R300,000 bribe.
This alleged bribe was associated with efforts to halt the Bosasa corruption probe.
The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture established that Myeni played a significant role in facilitating corruption and influencing former President Jacob Zuma to favour Bosasa.
The late Bosasa boss, Gavin Watson, reportedly provided Myeni with the aforementioned bribe.
Angelo Agrizzi, former Bosasa COO, revealed that he believed these payments were funnelled as pocket cash to the head of state.
DID BOSASA FINANCE JACOB ZUMA FOUNDATION VIA DUDU MYENI?
The Commission found evidence of regular R300,000 payments to Myeni, ostensibly for the Jacob Zuma Foundation, all made in cash. Additionally, Bosasa sponsored various events for the Foundation, including Zuma’s birthday parties, with a total value of R3.5 million.
Agrizzi stated that Bosasa assisted Myeni because of her influential position and deal-making capabilities.
The Commission also discovered that Watson attended numerous meetings with Zuma at Nkandla, where they discussed a Hawks investigation into Bosasa.
Zuma indicated he would make calls to address the situation. In a pivotal 2015 meeting at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria, Myeni allegedly revealed her efforts to have the National Prosecuting Authority drop the case against Bosasa.
At this meeting, Agrizzi photographed the Bosasa police docket on the carpet, crucial evidence used in the Commission’s investigation.
MYENI’S LINKS TO FALCON OIL AND GAS
The Commission’s findings indicate that Myeni wielded significant influence over Zuma and facilitated meetings with entities like Falcon Oil and Gas.
This company sought Zuma’s support in easing fracking regulations in the Karoo. The Commission concluded that Myeni’s actions constituted a breach of both the Constitution and anti-corruption legislation.
Dudu Myeni has emerged as a central figure in state capture investigations. Part 1 of the State Capture Commission report recommended further investigation and potential prosecution for her role in state capture, particularly during her tenure at SAA.
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) successfully petitioned the court to declare Myeni a delinquent director.
Myeni’s arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address corruption and malfeasance within South Africa’s government and public institutions.