Ace Magashule asks for list of witnesses implicating him in corruption case

Suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule and his co-accused appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court on Tuesday.

THE CASE WAS POSTPONED TO NEXT MONTH FOR THE PRE-TRIAL

According to reports, Magashule’s legal counsel has asked the State to provide a list of witnesses implicating his client in the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption case.

The case was postponed to 3 November for a pre-trial.

The court reportedly heard that the defence was still dealing with notices the State submitted in terms of Section 212(B) of the Criminal Procedure Act, which usually contains facts that are not in dispute.

The defence lawyers said they would respond to the notices before the accused’s next court appearance.

Magashule, controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli, former human settlements head of department Nthimotse Mokhesi, and others made an appearance in court on Tuesday. 

ALSO READ:R255 MILLION Asbestos case: Ace Magashule & co-accused back in court

THE FREE STATE ASBESTOS SAGA EXPLAINED

In 2014, the Free State human settlements department awarded a contract worth a whopping R255 million to two companies – Diamond Hill and Blackhead Consulting. 

This was 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 no done, despite the money being paid.

Here’s how Ace Magashule fits into this scandal: At the time, he was still the province’s premier – he is alleged to have condoned and accepted a number of gratifications on behalf of others from Ignatius “Igo” Mpambani, the late owner of Diamond Hill Trading. Blackhead Consulting is owned by Sodi. 

The payments total over R1 million, including R300 000 for tablets and R53 000 towards the tuition fees for the daughter of an acting judge.

ALSO READ: Asbestos case involving Ace Magashule postponed