Scores of Magashule’s supporters came from all over the country to support him during the continuation of his pre-trial proceedings earlier today. Magashule, former Mangaung Mayor Olly Mlamleli, and businessman Edwin Sodi, among others, are facing more than 70 charges of fraud, theft, and corruption in the failed R255 million asbestos project.

OFM News previously reported that the ANC branches, including that of the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) in the Fezile Dabi region in the Free State, were ready to take to the streets and defend the embattled, suspended ANC Secretary-General. Meanwhile, Magashule's supporters have maintained their accusations against the CR-17 camp, aligned to ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, namely a witch-hunt against Magashule, who is believed to be a champion of the Radical Economic Transformation (RET).

OFM News previously reported that various student movements such as the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) vowed to defend Magashule and the revolution with their bodies. Another unwavering Magashule supporter, Carl Niehaus, says that it seems as if the charges against Magashule have served their purpose of making sure that he is suspended from his party's SG position. Niehaus says that charges and courts are being used for political faction battles.

Magashule supporters stand strong against any charges against the Secretary-General and believe that all the charges against Magashule should be dropped.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi & Lee Simmons