Ex-state security minister out on R5,000 bail in Eskom bribery case

Bongani Bongo

Cape Town – Former state security minister Bongani Bongo has been released on R5,000 bail following his appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on corruption charges linked to the 2017 Eskom inquiry.

Bongo is accused of offering a bribe to evidence leader Ntuthuzelo Vanara to delay or stop the inquiry.

“It is reported that during September to October 2017, the accused approached a member of the then Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to allegedly arrange a meeting to prevent the next sitting where the Eskom board was to account,” police spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said in a statement.


“Eventually, the suspect secured the meeting wherein he indicated that the Portfolio Committee sitting with the Eskom board cannot proceed as planned and indicated that was possible if the member named his price (“gratification”).

“The accused, a former member of the National Assembly, formerly sworn in as a Member of the Executive and Cabinet, as the minister of State Security and later became a member of the National Assembly, a position he occupied until 28 May 2024. He is no longer a Member of Parliament.”

Previously acquitted by impeached judge John Hlophe, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned the ruling, ordering a retrial.

The Hawks have reaffirmed their commitment to prosecuting the case.

Bongo is expected back in court on March 4.

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