Police vans and nyalas have been deployed with police officers in their numbers to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings outside the Bloemfontein court ahead of Ace Magashule, former Human Settlements Department MEC Olly Mlamleli and businessman Edwin Sodi and others' court appearance. 

OFM News previously reported some  streets around the court have been condoned off by traffic officials to make way for free movement outside the court.

ALSO READ: Roads closed as #Magashule due in FS court

Staunch supporters who are usually outside the court in support of the current suspended ANC Secretary General, Magashule, have not yet made an appearance. The charges against Magashule and 15 others include corruption, fraud and money laundering.

The failed project was carried out by the Human Settlements Department in 2014 - and was meant to eradicate asbestos roofing across the province.

But, instead, the money was allegedly laundered.

Magashule and Mlamleli, amongst others, denied any wrongdoing and have vowed to clear their names.

ALSO READ: Magashule and co back in court for #AsbestosGate

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously mentioned that they have a formidable case against the accused in the criminal case regarding the asbestos housing audit.

The accused in this case include Sodi; Mlamleli; the former head of the Free State Department of Human Settlements, Nthimotse Mokhesi; the Director for Supply Chain Management at Human Settlements, Mahlomola John Matlakala; a businessman residing in Johannesburg, Sello Joseph Radebe; a Pretoria businessman, Abel Kgotso Manyeki; the former Director-General for the National Department of Human Settlements, Thabane Wiseman Zulu; and Albertus Venter, who occupied a role in the Free State Premier’s office.

OFM News