By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Bloemfontein high court postponed the R255m asbestos corruption trial involving former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule to June 14.
The trial against Magashule, now leader of the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), and 17 others was set to begin on Monday.
Magashule and his 17 co-accused including controversial businessman Edwin Sodi are facing more than 70 counts of fraud, corruption, and money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
It relates to an asbestos tender awarded by the Free State Department of Human Settlements to Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting to audit, assess and remove asbestos from homes in the province.
Magashule was Free State premier at the time.
A bid by Magashule and the co-accused to have the charges against them dropped was dismissed by both the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).
Free State National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said, the defence asked for a postponement.
“The defence informed the presiding officer, Judge President of the Free State Bar, that accused number 5, which is a company, still doesn’t have legal representation.
“Accused number 12, the former MEC Olly Mlamleli, provided the court with a medical certificate indicating that she was still ill after undergoing an operation and she will only be available around July 2024.”
“We can confirm the trial was meant to start today [Monday]. As the prosecution we have indicated previously we are ready. We will be ready when the defence is ready to proceed with the trial,” he said.
“As the NPA we pride ourselves in prosecuting without fear, favour of prejudice. So, (in) this matter, we believe that there’s a case that the accused needs to answer to.”
Magashule speaking to the media outside court, said he was ready and accused the NPA of wasting his time.
“I am ready but because there is no case I know my readiness means something else. The NPA is wasting our time. I have said I have never taken a cent, I have never stolen any government money, I have never done anything wrong and they know for sure, “he said.
He said the NPA was delaying and he expected another delay.
“We are supposed to start today. I don’t know what is going to happen but it is clear the state is not ready and they know they don’t have a case.”
Magashule also insisted the charges against him were a ploy to prevent him from contesting for leadership positions within the ANC at the party’s elective conference in December.
Meanwhile Fullview understands Magashule’s ex-PA Moroadi Cholota – who is studying in America – was arrested in the United States of America and she is expected to appear in court.
This was revealed in court during proceedings today. Senokoatsane confirmed Cholota’s arrest.
Cholota was charged alongside him in the State’s asbestos scam case, after she reneged on an agreement to testify against Magashule.