Patrick Gillingham
Patrick Gillingham served as Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). He was the initial contact through whom Bosasa (African Global Operations) built its prison contracting corruption scheme from 2003. Bosasa paid extraordinary sums to Gillingham personally — including covering his R2.2 million divorce settlement — in exchange for facilitating corrupt contract awards. The Zondo Commission found he “facilitated the unlawfulness of tenders in breach of the Constitution and legislation.” He faces charges in the R1.8 billion Bosasa-DCS corruption case.
Bosasa’s initial contact: Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson instructed Frans Vorster to make contact with Gillingham about outsourcing a catering contract. Vorster met regularly with Gillingham about the specifications of kitchens and menus at correctional centres so that Bosasa could tailor its bid accordingly — the beginning of the relationship that produced R2.3 billion in corrupt contracts.
Bribes received: Cash (part of >R2 million total to Gillingham and Linda Mti), a new vehicle, home improvements (security upgrades), and — most strikingly — R2.2 million paid by Bosasa for Gillingham’s divorce settlement. Gifts also extended to his ex-wife and children (NPA seeking forfeiture of ~R4.8 million).
Criminal case: Charged alongside Linda Mti, Andries van Tonder (Bosasa CFO) and (originally) Angelo Agrizzi and Vincent Smith in the R1.8 billion corruption case. Agrizzi’s November 2025 plea deal was described by the NPA as necessary to prosecute the case. Trial ongoing in North Gauteng High Court.
Connections
- Bosasa (African Global Operations) — the initial DCS contact; facilitated all four major prison contracts; R2.2m divorce settlement payment is among the most documented individual corrupt benefits
- Linda Mti — co-accused; DCS National Commissioner; both face R1.8bn trial together
- Zondo Commission — found prima facie corruption; recommended prosecution
- Vincent Smith — co-accused in broader Bosasa DCS indictment