OVERVIEW: 'I am still fearful of Gavin Watson' - Van Tonder testifies at #StateCaptureInquiry

We adjourn, Van Tonder to continue his testimony before the commission tomorrow at 10:00.

Zondo's request to start earlier will be attended to in due time, as soon as they have finalised concerns regarding statements, Pretorius adds.

PP: What do you mean Watson used people?

AVT: He used them to to corrupt things on his behalf and then he would dispose of them. 

PP: Was there ever an investigation into financial affairs of Bosasa by SARS?

AVT: Yes, approximately in 2015. 

PP: How was the SARS investigation concluded?

Was it successful for Bosasa?

AVT: Yes, SARS ruled in favour of Bosasa in the investigation. 

AVT: Watson insisted that everyone pray aloud so he could see "where you were at".

PP: Did you at some stage stop attending?

AVT: Yes. It affected my relationship with Gavin Watson. The relationship started to deteriorate when I stopped. 

PP: You said before you were well paid, and lived a comfortable life.

AVT: That is correct.

PP: There has been evidence of regular prayer meetings? Did you ever attend?

AVT: Initially I did attend the prayer meetings. I viewed these prayer meetings as Gavin Watson, as a tool he used, to determine ones loyalty to him. 

PP: Your relationship with Gavin Watson, at least initially?

AVVT: Initially I had a very good relationship with Mr Gavin Watson. For most of my working career at Bosasa, we had a good relationship. He would make me feel important. 

AVT: At the time Danny Mansell acted as the managing director. 

A consultant by the name of Tony Perry was employed to assist in the running of the business. 

There were three parties that had shares in Dyambu Operations: Danny Mansell, Gavin Watson and a company called Dyambu Holdings. 

AVT: Mr Fanie van Zyl called us into a boardroom, there were more people he was going to involve in the company to bring more business. 

This was Dyambu Holdings - and along comes Gavin Watson and Danny Mansell. 

PP: You will be given a transcript of the evidence by Mr Agrizzi surrounding the video, and if you will please study it and tell us whether you agree or don't agree with the aspects of the testimony?

AVT: Yes. 

PP: There has been substantial evidence relating to the content of the video. But from your own memory, can you recall who was in the vault at the time?

AVT: Johannes Gumede, Papa Leshabane, Gavin Watson and myself. 

AVT: I took the video to show Gavin Watson did indeed have his hands on the cash, and was very much involved in it. 

Agrizzi asked me to take it when he became aware that Watson wanted to pin all the bribes and corruption in him. 

PP: Were you ever the subject of threats?

AVT: Around the time I left Bosasa, I received a call from Peet Venter who said there were dangerous people involved with Bosasa. 

PP: Why did you not deal with law enforcement agencies before now, and why cooperate with commission now?

AVT: I became complacent in the unlawful conduct I was part of. There was an SIU investigation at the time, Gavin Watson ensured me at the time he had everything under control. 

Pretorius asks Van Tonder if he is aware that he will implicate himself, and that none of the offenses he will testify to were reported to the authorities as the law requires. 

AVT: Yes. 

"So help me God" - Andries van Tonder is sworn in. 

'"I've commited the next 6 months of my life to making sure this gets uncovered," Agrizzi says. 

"Thank you for the way you treat me, even though I'm not worthy after what I said, " Agrizzi tells Zondo, ahead of concluding his testimony.

Zondo points out a clause in the agreement that states the terms and conditions of the agreement must be confidential. Why? 

Agrizzi: Because its illegal. 

Agrizzi claims that he suggested to the Watsons, that they all come clean together. Agrizzi speaks of the fact that he told Andries van Tonder that he had a duty to report corruption. 

Andries van Tonder then sent a message to Gavin and the other Watsons: Sorry chaps, no chance, it seems Angelo has made a final decision to come clean. 

Agrizzi: I sent this to Daniel Witz on 7 September 2018. Attached to this document, is the actual email.