Central SA
Security tight outside Free State High Court - WATCH─── LUCKY NKUYANE 08:41 Fri, 23 Sep 2022
Security has been beefed up outside the Free State High Court on Friday 23 September, ahead of the expected appearance of the former Free State Premier Ace Magashule and his co-accused, on charges relating to the failed R255 million asbestos project.
Police vans, nyalas, and traffic officials have been deployed near the premises of the High Court in Bloemfontein.
Law enforcement will be keeping watchful eye on the proceedings outside the Bloemfontein court, ahead of Ace Magashule, former Human Settlements MEC Olly Mlamleli, and businessman Edwin Sodi and others' court appearances.
The accused businessman Edwin Sodi and the former Director-General for the National Department of Human Settlements, Thabane Wiseman Zulu, are walking to the court.
Former Free State MEC Olly Mlamleli, walking to the Free State High Court.
Magashule allies - including former North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo; former ANC military wing uMkhonto we Sizwe spokesperson Carl Niehaus, ousted Free State MEC for Transport Sam Mashinini; and also the former ANC Chief Whip in the Legislature Vusi Tshabalala - are expected to support him.
ALSO READ: #AsbestosGate: Magashule and co back in the dock
Staunch supporters who are usually outside the court in support of the current suspended ANC Secretary-General, Magashule, have not yet made their 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.
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.
