The commission, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is expected to hear more explosive evidence regarding political interference and unaccounted millions that were meant for this project when former Free State Head of Agriculture, Peter Thabethe, takes the stand. 

The former HOD was amongst the eight Gupta associates who faced criminal charges for the controversial Estina project in 2018 before it was provisionally withdrawn in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court. 

Thabethe was amongst those accused of benefiting from the R220 million that was earmarked to assist the more than 80 farmers in Vrede but was looted from the Free State after the provincial Agriculture Department deposited money into Estina’s Nedbank account, which was thereafter moved to the Bank of Baroda pool account. 

Thabethe’s testimony is expected to take place over a two-day period. 

OFM News