This follows multiple postponements and failed applications to withdraw charges against Magashule and two other accused, including businessman Edwin Sodi and former Human Settlements Director-General Thabane Wiseman Zulu.

During their last court appearance, in 2023, state prosecutor Adv. Johan de Nysschen and defence attorneys agreed on the trial date to address several outstanding administrative matters, including the absence of legal representation for some of the accused companies.

Former Free State Human Settlements MEC Olly Mlamleli remains absent from proceedings due to ongoing health issues.

Meanwhile, Moroadi Cholota (37) will appear alongside the co-accused after her urgent application to declare her arrest and extradition unlawful was dismissed. The state, led by senior counsel Nazeer Cassim, previously argued that there had been a flagrant breach of Treasury regulations when the multi-million-rand tender was awarded.

The 2014 project was meant to remove asbestos roofing from 30,000 households across the Free State.

The accused include former Free State Human Settlements head Nthimotse Mokhesi, supply chain director Mahlomola Matlakala, businessmen Sello Radebe, Abel Manyeki, and Albertus Venter, and former national Human Settlements DG Thabane Zulu.

Together, they face more than 70 charges, including fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption, and money laundering. Bail amounts ranged between R50,000 and R500,000.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg