Businessman facing R4m bribery charges to spend Easter behind bars
Defence attorney William Booth consulting with his client Shaun Roos.
Image: Kim Swartz
A Cape Town businessman accused of attempting to bribe a City official with R4 million will be spending the Easter weekend behind bars as he waits for a decision on his bail application.
Shaun Roos, 56, owner of Triple C Maintenance and Services, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where his bail ruling was postponed to April 15.
Roos faces a Schedule 5 charge of corruption, after he allegedly tried to offer City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo R4m to influence tender outcomes and halt investigations into his company.
During his bail application, he previously told the court that he was the owner of the company while his wife was a shareholder. However, on Wednesday, the court heard that his wife is a co-owner of the company.
The State further claims the alleged payment formed part of a broader pattern of gratification amounting to around R30m, said to have been channelled through third-party accounts between October 2023 and December 2024.
During proceedings, Roos maintained his innocence, insisting the tenders awarded to his company were legitimate and that services were delivered.
In court papers, he claimed he was entrapped by individuals, including a woman he alleges posed as a relative and gained access to the company’s finances.
He also told the court that his business is under severe financial strain, claiming the City owes his company between R25m and R30m in outstanding payments.
The court heard that Roos would be able to afford bail and that there is no indication his release would spark public outcry.
However, with judgment only expected next month, the accused will remain behind bars over the Easter period.