This, as one of the asbestos deal beneficiaries, Edwin Sodi, and his six co-accused are set to make their second appearance before the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court. Sodi, who is the CEO of Blackhead Consulting, which was awarded a R255 million tender in a joint venture with Diamond Hill Trading by the Free State Department of Human Settlements, is currently out on R500 000 bail after he was arrested last month in connection with the failed project. 

He faces charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering, alongside his six co-accused which include the former Free State Human Settlements HOD Nthimotse Mokhesi, former Free State MEC and ousted Mangaung Mayor Olly Mlamleli, and former national Director-General Thabane Zulu, as well as other government officials.

They stand accused of looting funds that were earmarked to see the assessment, audit and removal of asbestos roofs in the province in 2014 when the Gauteng-based business joint-venture was awarded the contract.

All seven suspects were released on bail, ranging between R50 000 and R500 000 on October the 2nd and their case was postponed to November 11, when it is expected to be transferred to the Free State High Court for trial.

OFM News on Tuesday reported that the former Free State Premier and the now ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule is the latest suspect to be issued with a warrant of arrest in connection with the project.

Magashule has been given an opportunity to voluntarily present himself to the authorities and is expected to make his first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Friday.

OFM News