By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 March 2026- The former ANC Member of Parliament (MP), Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years imprisonment by the Johannesburg High Court after reaching a plea and sentence agreement with the state. Judge Mohamed Ismail presided over the matter and accepted the plea and sentence agreement in terms of Sec 105A of the Criminal Procedure Act, as presented by the state and confirmed by Smith on record.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Ismail remarked on the considerations he had to make, especially that the accused was a lawmaker entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the laws of the country are upheld. Mamothame said he described corruption as a scourge that has reached alarming levels, and needs to be addressed decisively.
“Smith pleaded guilty to charges that include the Contravening Section 7 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004 (PRECCA), fraud, money laundering and the Contravention of the Tax Act.
“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. Smith will effectively spend seven years in prison for his actions,” he said.
Mamothame further said the conviction relates to the corruption and fraud charges in his personal capacity, as well as in his capacity as a sole director and shareholder of Euroblitz 48, to which he failed to disclosed to the Registrar of parliamentary members’ interest, the gratification that he received from BOSASA, pursuant to the corrupt activities with which he, Euroblitz 48 and Agrizzi were charged for. He added that Smith further failed to disclose the taxable income of Euroblitz between March 2009 and July 2018, totalling to approximately R28 million.
“Charges against Euroblitz were however withdrawn. The NPA’s IDAC remains committed to ensuring that state capture matters are dealt with and that the courts hold those accountable for their alleged criminality,” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi said: “In as much as the trial took longer than anticipated to be finalized, the wheels of justice finally got in motion and the rule of law upheld.
“I commend the prosecution team involved in the matter.”
The Guardian 