One of his supporters spotted at court is former Social Development Minister Bathahile Dlamini and Free State ANC Chairperson Sam Mashinini. Magashule is facing 21 charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering relating to the failed asbestos deal worth R255 million. Those who will be in the dock with him include the CEO of Blackhead Consulting, Edwin Sodi, former Free State Human Settlements HOD, Nthimotse Mokhesi, and former national Director-General Thabane Zulu, as well as former Free State Human Settlements MEC Olly Mlamleli, amongst others.

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 has previously reported that several factions of the ANC in the Free State have since expressed their wavering support for the former premier.

OFM News