Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi is expected to undergo mental observation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital at the end of January to assess his fitness to stand trial for corruption.

This was confirmed by the Investigating Directorate (ID) on Wednesday.

ID spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka said Agrizzi would go for observation on 29 and 30 January, and again in February. 

Thereafter, a report will be compiled to evaluate if Agrizzi is fit to stand trial. 

In September 2023, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ordered Agrizzi to be referred for mental observation.

News24 previously reported Judge David Makhoba wanted the opinion of professionals following an enquiry into his absence from court. 

Makhoba cited testimony by neurosurgeon Dr Herman Edeling who told the court Agrizzi had brain damage and did not meaningfully participate in court proceedings.

"Taking into account the evidence that was led during the inquiry, especially the evidence of Dr Edeling, this court is in doubt as to whether Mr Agrizzi will be able to follow and contribute meaningfully to his defence during the trial," Makhoba wrote in his judgment.

After being arrested in October 2020, Agrizzi suffered a heart attack in prison and was put on life support. 

He spent an evening in prison before he was rushed to a public hospital.

His condition worsened and he was transferred to a private hospital.

Since then, Agrizzi has not been able to appear in court physically but has done so virtually. 

He is facing two criminal cases.

The first involves four tenders valued at more than R1.8 billion, awarded to Bosasa and its subsidiaries by the Department of Correctional Services between August 2004 and 2007.

News24 previously reported the tenders were for catering and training services, installing CCTV cameras, installing perimeter fencing, supplying a television system, and monitoring equipment.

It is alleged the tenders were obtained through corruption.

In December 2023, the High Court ordered Agrizzi to be tried separately from his co-accused.

The co-accused - former correctional services commissioner Linda Mti, former department chief financial officer Patrick O'Connell Gillingham, and former Bosasa CFO Andries Johannes Jacobus van Tonder - will appear in court again on 8 March. 

In the second case, Agrizzi is accused of paying bribes to former ANC MP Vincent Smith.