Panafrican News Agency

South Africa: Graft accused businessman killed in car crash

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Controversial businessman Gavin Watson who has been heavily implicated in the State Capture scandal, which has rocked the South African government, was killed in a massive vehicle accident early Monday  outside the Oliver R Tambo International Airport.

The Toyota Corolla he was driving was destroyed after colliding with a concrete pillar. Police are probing whether his death was a suicide. Watson, chairman of African Global Operations, was due to testify at a graft inquiry on Tuesday.

His company handed hundreds of millions of dollars in  government tenders and channelled funds into Cyril Ramaphosa presidential campaign.

The official opposition Democratic Alliance said Watson’s death may have a material impact on the work of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

“It is therefore vital, given the police stating that a case of 'culpable homicide' has been opened, that even a whiff of foul play is dispelled by a thorough and transparent investigation,” said DA Member of Parliament Solly Malatsi. 

–0– PANA CU/AR 26Aug2019