SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, tells OFM News that the investigation into the matter follows a proclamation which was signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019. Seven suspects, including Edwin Sodi, Nthimotse Mokhesi, Thabane Zulu, Olly Mlamleli, and three others are applying for bail on Friday morning at the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court. He says their arrests follows an investigation by the SIU and the Hawks, with the assistance of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA). Kganyago says their evidence against the alleged culprits was tested through various channels.

There is a heavy police presence in and outside the premises of the court. Supporters of the nabbed ANC officials, including ousted Mangaung mayor Mlamleli, are also out in their numbers to support the suspects. 

Sodi is the businessman who previously testified at the Zondo Commission, Nthimotse Mokhesi, is a former Free State HOD of Human Settlements, while Thabane Zulu is the former national Human Settlements director-general, and Mlamleli is the former MEC of Human Settlements. The identity of the three others is expected to be revealed shortly, once they have appeared in court.

On Thursday, Hawks in the Free State confirmed that the seventh suspect linked to this controversial R255 million asbestos project was arrested. The Hawks' provincial spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, said the suspect handed himself over to the police on Thursday. This after being on the run since Wednesday after his co-accused were nabbed.

OFM News