Following arrests made by the Hawks last week, Ntombela says individuals found guilty must face the full might of the law.

She, in a statement, says Free State officials who appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court last week Friday have been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of internal investigations.

Ntombela adds the provincial government is committed to fight against corruption.

Ntombela's statement comes amidst growing concerns over how the provincial government is seemingly enriching those politically connected with tax payers’ money.

Following the arrest of seven suspects - which among others include Blackhead Consulting CEO Edwin Sodi, former Free State Human Settlements HOD Nthimotse Mokhesi, former Free State MEC Olly Mlamleli, and former national Director-General Thabane Zulu - weekend media reports have painted a bleak picture of how residents in the Free State are still faced with hazardous conditions posed by asbestos roofs that were supposed to be removed back in 2014.

The department had awarded a R255 million rand tender to the Gauteng-based Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading joint venture.

Whilst opposition parties have since welcomed the arrests, many have called on Ntombela to implement consequence management measures in the province and for her office to set an example to other departments.

OFM News' Lucky Nkuyane has meanwhile reported that Mahlomola John Matlakala (42), who is the Supply Chain Management Director at the Free State Human Settlements Department, and Abel Kgotso Manyeki (38), a businessman from Clubview, Pretoria, were released on R50 000 bail whilst other accused were released on R100 000 bail and Sodi on R500 000.

OFM News