Image via: NPA
Ace Magashule ‘remains innocent until proven otherwise’ – ANC
ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule was released on R200 000 bail on Friday after appearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
Image via: NPA
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Ace Magashule appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court after his formal arrest on Friday 13 November 2020.
The secretary-general appeared on charges of corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering related to the R255 million asbestos case. Since Magashule was granted bail, the ANC has spoken out about the matter, indicating that he is innocent until proven otherwise.
ANC SPOKESPERSON PULE MABE SPEAKS OUT ABOUT MAGASHULE
Following the court appearance, ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe spoke to eNCA. He told reporters that the party wanted to understand the charges against their secretary-general Ace Magashule.
“The SG has said even from the very beginning that he will cooperate fully with the processes. Such was confirmed by the prosecution on behalf of the state.”
“For now we understand that the SG remains innocent until proven otherwise. The SG has been quite cooperative and this is the message that we need to be sending to our structures out there,” he said.
Mabe also said there were scenes of t-shirts of President Cyril Ramaphosa being burned.
“This is not reflective of the conduct and character of the African National Congress (ANC). The provincial leadership has assured us that they will nip that act in the bud and make sure that it does not repeat itself as it might serve to undermine what needs to be happening here.”
BAIL AND CHARGES
While the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court has released Ace Magashule on R200 000 bail, the case is far from over. Magashule, as well as his co-accused are expected to return to court on 19 February 2021.
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) national spokesperson Sipho Ngwema, there are 21 charges against Magashule which include corruption, fraud, theft and money laundering.
Magashule was ordered to surrender his passport, he must inform the investigating team if he wishes to travel abroad and he cannot be in contact with any witnesses particularly his former secretary Moroadi Cholota.
“In this regard, he may not directly or through third parties, make any contact with her,” said Ngwema.
“The investigations are complete not only for Mgashule but all the 13 accused. We expect at least three more suspects to be arrested and added to the charge. On the next court appearance the matter will be transferred to the High Court because the investigations are done and we are ready for trial,” he added.
