Embattled forrmer ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule has arrived the High Court in Bloemfontein for the resumption of trial after the adjournment in October over a bomb scare.
Magashule and 15 co-accused, including controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli and a former head of Human Settlements Department face corruption, fraud and money laundering charges.
The charges were brought with respect to a R255million contract for the assessment and removal of asbestos roofs.
The Free State human settlements department had, in 2014 awarded a contract R255 million worth contract to two companies – Diamond Hill and Blackhead Consulting.
It was intended to audit and assess houses for asbestos roofs in the province. The project entailed inspecting 300,000 low-cost houses, however it would later be revealed that almost no work was done, despite the money being paid.
When Ace Magashule and his co-accused last appeared in the dock, the ANC topgun maintained that the charges against him are politically motivated and that he didn’t even know the charges that have been brought against him. He also signalled his intention to ask for the full list of witness in the asbestos case.
