Cape Town - The Fidentia court “saga” has had a devastating effect on many people, former Fidentia boss J Arthur Brown told the Western Cape High Court on Monday.
“This entire saga has not just affected my life, but the staff of Fidentia who respected me and worked hard,” Brown said during his testimony in mitigation of sentence.
“The curatorship has affected thousands of people's lives... For that, I am truly sorry.”
He said his two children had suffered the most since his arrest in 2007.
Brown sat in the dock and cried as he described the last time he saw his sons, when he bade them farewell as they left for Australia in April 2009.
He said he could not say goodbye to them at the airport or visit them because of his stringent bail conditions.
“They are one of the most important things in my life,” he said.
Brown was recently found guilty on two counts of fraud, related to dealings with the Transport Education and Training Authority and the Mantadia Asset Trust Company.
He was acquitted on seven other charges of corruption, money-laundering, theft, and fraud.
The convictions followed certain admissions he made which amounted to indirect intention to commit fraud.
The minimum sentence for fraud is 15 years in jail, unless extenuating circumstances can be proved.
Brown said the purpose of taking the stand during sentencing arguments was not to apportion blame, but rather to take responsibility for his mistakes. - Sapa