Lawyer Dirk Conradie wishes he had never held the meeting that caused his arrest back in 2012. He testified last week that he meant to help black economic empowerment during talks with advertising company directors. Conradie served as board chairman for the mobile phone company MTC when the meeting happened. The gathering took place just before MTC needed to decide about a N$60 million advertising contract. His case started in 2016 when he denied all charges against him.
Prosecutors claim Conradie promised to help the ad company win if they accepted Sara Damases as a business partner. He first claimed Damases called him about the meeting, but later admitted he sent her to request it. Conradie denied sharing any board information with Damases or trying to secure her part of the company. He did suggest she might help them meet black ownership rules. Conradie admitted he acted carelessly when he met them before the board made its decision. The trial continues next month when he returns to court.
Prosecutors claim Conradie promised to help the ad company win if they accepted Sara Damases as a business partner. He first claimed Damases called him about the meeting, but later admitted he sent her to request it. Conradie denied sharing any board information with Damases or trying to secure her part of the company. He did suggest she might help them meet black ownership rules. Conradie admitted he acted carelessly when he met them before the board made its decision. The trial continues next month when he returns to court.
