This, after Magashule failed to address them due to Covid-19 regulations. Approximately 3 000 supporters gathered at the park a few meters from the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court where Magashule and his co-accused were facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering. Whilst he could not address his supporters in adherence to the Covid-19 lockdown regulations, which prohibits mass gatherings, he paraded the streets of Bloemfontein, waving at his supporters.

Former ANC councillor and former deputy president of the ANC Youth League, Andile Lungisa, meanwhile explained that Magashule has been advised by his lawyers not to address the rally as he would be breaking lockdown regulations.

OFM News has meanwhile reported that Lungisa and other supporters remain steadfast in their calls, “Hands off Magashule”, and has vowed to mobilise more supporters when he appears before the Free State High Court for pre-trial proceedings on August 11.

Magashule and his co-accused, who including the CEO of Blackhead Consulting, Edwin Sodi, former Free State Human Settlements HOD, Nthimotse Mokhesi, former national Director-General Thabane Zulu, and former Free State Human Settlements MEC Olly Mlamleli, amongst others, as well as newly arrested suspects, appeared alongside five companies. The newly arrested suspects include Free State Human Settlements Chief Financial Officer, Nozipho Molikoe (40); Department’s Acting Chief Director of the Project Management Unit, Thabiso Makepe (42), and the Deputy Director-General: Corporate Administration in the Free State Premier’s office, Albert Venter (64). The accused companies are Blackhead Consulting, Diamond Hill Trading 71 (Pty) Ltd, 605 Consulting Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Mastertrade 232 (Pty) Ltd, and Ori Group (Pty) Ltd.

They all 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.

Whilst he opted to miss the rally in adherence to the Covid-19 regulations, the police in the Free State have in the meantime confirmed that they are investigating the organisers of the gathering.

OFM News