By: Sello Theletsane
Suspended African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule is set for a bleak birthday this year following the postponement of his case.
The High Court in Bloemfontein postponed Magashule’s asbestos corruption case to November 3 for a pre-trial conference.
The day is also Magashule’s birthday, but he will celebrate his special day in the box.
Before the postponement, Magashule’s lawyers asked for a list of the witnesses who have implicated him. Laurance Hodes SC said they had not received a list of witnesses the state intended to call.
“In relation to accused 13, we filed a section 85 notification contending there is a fundamental error to the charge, and we oppose the charge. We have additionally asked which people implicate him. The state is not prepared to commit themselves to which people. We believe there is an irregularity in the charge, and we would like to pursue an objection to the charge in that regard,” he said.
The charges against the accused related to the R255-million asbestos tender fraud in the Free State when Magashule was the premier.
Also read: Ace Magashule in court
He is accused with 15 others, including businessman Edwin Sodi, former human settlements head of department Nthimotse Mokhesi, and former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli. They are facing charges of fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering relating to the R255 million contract for the assessment and removal of asbestos roofs.
Speaking to the media after his appearance, Magashule said it was sad that he would have to be back in court on his birthday.
“It’s my birthday. Unfortunately, my time is wasted by fabricated charges. Let’s see what happens,” he said.
Magashule further said the charges against him were politically motivated, hence the slow pace of the matter, and some people have been “approached” to implicate him.
“Very soon, I will expose people who are approached to implicate me in many other wrongdoings by the so-called Hawks. I’m still busy investigating those allegations,” he said.
