Scenes outside the Magistrate's Court this morning shows a high police presence with the court building being barricaded. 

High-ranking officials in the Free State are in attendance, such as the senior ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni, FS ANC chairperson Sam Mashinini, the Deputy Chairperson Wiliam Bulwane, and the Mayor of the Matjhabeng Municipality Nkosijane Speelman. There seems to be a majority of Ace Magashule supporters.

A warrant of arrest was issued for Magashule by the Hawks on Tuesday, relating to his alleged involvement in the R255 million asbestos deal that was awarded to the Gauteng-based Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading joint venture by the Free State Department of Human Settlements in 2014. 

Magashule is expected to make his first appearance on charges of fraud and corruption and apply for bail. This is a developing story.

OFM News/Leatile Leiee and Blaine Jones