The Hawks spokesperson, Christopher Singo, confirms that three senior government officials were nabbed this morning. He says the officials, who have not yet been named, faces charges of corruption. They now join the likes of ANC Secretary-General (SG) Ace Magashule and former Mangaung Metro Mayor Olly Mlamleli. 

The arrests of the trio come just a day before Magashule and his co-accused are expected to appear before the court. Their case was postponed to February 19 and they were released on bail ranging from R50 000 to R500 000 by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court last year.

Two former Free State MECs, Mamiki Qabathe and Mosebenzi Zwane, have previously been implicated at the State Capture Commission of Inquiry relating to this project. Zwane also features prominently in the Public Protector report that was released last year December, which indicated how Magashule failed to play an oversight role over the project during his term as the Free State Premier.

The three suspects nabbed by the Hawks are expected to appear alongside Magashule and his co-accused. 

OFM News previously reported that these include the CEO of Blackhead Consulting, Edwin Sodi, as well as the former Free State Human Settlements HOD, Nthimotse Mokhesi, and former national Director-General Thabane Zulu, amongst 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 housing tender was awarded.

OFM News/Katleho Morapela and Lucky Nkuyane