DA FS leader claims he was manhandled by Ace Magashule supporters

The leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State Legislature, Roy Jankielsohn, alleges he was manhandled by a group of Ace Magashule’s supporters outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Friday 13 November.

ANC secretary-general Magashule is appearing in court in relation to a controversial asbestos contract valued at R255 million, during his tenure as Free State Premier. Magashule handed himself over to the Hawks this morning ahead of his appearance in court.

Magashule is first set to hand himself over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, ahead of his court appearance.

Jankielsohn and company were forced to move further down from the courthouse after they were allegedly accosted by Magashule’s ardent supporters. The DA provincial leader says after they were kicked around, they managed to escape the situation without any serious injuries. 

Meanwhile, Bloemfontein police have deployed several of their members at various points in the vicinity of the courthouse. 

Speaking to The South African, Jankielsohn says the incident will not deter them from ensuring that justice is served in this criminal case.

Just got attacked and kicked by ANC hooligans outside the court where Ace Magashule is being charged.

— Roy Jankielsohn (@jankielsohn) November 13, 2020

Tensions have flared up outside the courthouse as ANC members breached security enforcements. ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe was hurried inside the courthouse by Ricardo Mettler – who happens to be Magashule’s former body guard. Mettler is facing criminal charges of his own over the theft of a painting by Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef. Mettler has claimed he was gifted the painting by Magashule. 

The courthouse gates have now been closed to keep protesters outside.