Corruption-accused businessman claims City official tried to bribe him

The bail proceedings for corruption-accused Cape Town businessman, Shaun Roos, continue in court.

He was in court on Monday and Tuesday, in connection with his alleged bid to put a hold on investigations into alleged tender fraud by offering City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo money.

During his appearance on Monday, Roos, the owner of Triple C Maintenance and Services, claimed he was trapped in an “extortion” operation involving the Mbandazayo and others.

He confirmed the meeting, previously mentioned by the SAPS and the City of Cape Town, but claims that Mbandazayo had demanded money from him.

“It was in fact he that was extorting from me not the other way around,” the court documents read.

Further to this, Roos maintains his innocence, claiming the allegations stem from a legitimately awarded City tender. In his affidavit, he argues that his company fulfilled its contractual obligations and denies any wrongdoing.

Roos further alleges that the case against him is rooted in claims made by a former employee, whom he accuses of stealing millions of rand from his business and attempting to deflect blame. He believes the police operation, which led to his arrest, was unlawfully conducted.

He insists that the allegations are false and part of a broader attempt to implicate him in criminal conduct.

The State refuted this, citing evidence of Roos’ request to stop investigations into alleged tender fraud, in exchange for gratification.

The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson, Eric Ntabazalila, confirmed that Roos’ bail application at Cape Town Magistrate’s Court will continue on Wednesday.

“[Roos’ lawyer] read the defence affidavit as they applied for a Schedule 5 bail. The State responded by reading into the record the affidavit of the [investigating officer] who is opposing bail. The matter was rolled over to [Wednesday] morning for [Roos’ lawyer] to respond.”