Magashule, together with his former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota, appeared in court on Tuesday (15/4) on charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravening the Public Finance Management Act. 

The charges stem from a 2014 tender awarded to audit and remove asbestos roofs across 30,000 Free State homes. Eighteen people and companies are accused in the case.

Magashule told journalists: “We might call people who said a lot about us – whether in the Zondo Commission or elsewhere. Let’s wait and see.”

He denied any wrongdoing. “I’ve never taken a cent from the state or any businessperson. You’ll hear the truth once I testify.”

His comments have sparked speculation that former Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana – once a political ally turned fierce critic – might be among those summoned. 

Dukwana gave an explosive testimony to the Zondo Commission in 2019, alleging Magashule offered him a R2 million bribe linked to a controversial mining deal and interfered in his work as MEC for Economic Development.

Despite their political fallout, Dukwana has insisted his actions were not driven by revenge. “I don’t harbour any bitterness,” he said in 2021. “But I won’t ignore wrongdoing.”

He also accused Magashule of undermining his leadership and destabilising the department.

In 2020, Dukwana criticised the ANC’s failure to act. “Magashule acted inappropriately for years. When we raised concerns in 2012, we were labelled as agents of regime change.”

The Constitutional Court later nullified the Free State ANC elective conference that had installed Magashule’s allies in leadership.

Magashule maintains the case is politically motivated and was intended to sideline him ahead of the ANC’s 2022 national conference.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh