Former MP Vincent Smith gets seven years direct imprisonment after plea deal

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Former member of parliament Vincent Smith has been sentenced to a seven-year direct prison sentence by the Johannesburg High Court following a plea deal with the state.

The conviction stems from corruption and fraud charges against the individual, both personally and as the sole director of Euroblitz 48.

He failed to disclose gratification received from BOSASA, related to corrupt activities involving himself, Euroblitz 48, and Agrizzi, to the Registrar of parliamentary members’ interests.

He further failed to disclose the taxable income of Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling approximately R28 million. Charges against Euroblitz were, however, withdrawn. 

Judge Ismail accepted the plea and sentence agreement under Sec 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, as presented by the state and confirmed by Smith, National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv Andy Mothibi revealed.

“The judge remarked on the unique considerations of the accused being a lawmaker, emphasising corruption as an alarming scourge requiring decisive action for upholding the country’s laws.

“Smith pleaded guilty to charges including contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering, and violating the Tax Act.

Vincent Smith’s sentence effective

“He was subsequently sentenced to 12 years on each of the counts, with each suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the suspension period,” he added.

Adv. Mothibi stated that Smith will effectively spend seven years in prison for his actions. 

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He highlighted that the NPA’s IDAC is committed to ensuring state capture cases are addressed and those accused are held accountable by the courts and further commended the prosecution team involved.

“In as much as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalised, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law was upheld,” Adv. Mothibi concluded.