It was revealed during the accused’s latest appearance that whilst state prosecutor, Johann de Nysschen, is ready to proceed with the matter, some of the accused have changed legal representation since the last appearance in the Bloemfontein Regional Court in February 2021 and as a result consultations between the respective parties must take place before the pre-trial phase can proceed. 

Suspended ANC Secretary-General (SG), Ace Magashule; Limpopo bred businessman, Edwin Sodi; former Mangaung Metro Mayor, Olly Mlamleli; and others were back in the dock on Wednesday 11 August, in connection with the controversial R255 million asbestos housing audit project that was central to Pieter- Louis Myburgh’s Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule’s Web of Capture.

OFM News reported that there was heavy military and police presence ahead of the court appearance, temporarily barring Magashule supporters from gathering. However, shortly after the postponement, a small crowd had gathered on the outskirts of the High Court, chanting pro Magashule songs.

The other accused arrested in connection with the irregular tender also include Nthimotse Mokhesi, the former head of the Free State Department of Human Settlements embroiled in the saga; Mahlomola John Matlakala, the Director for Supply Chain Management at Human Settlements; Sello Joseph Radebe, a businessman residing in Johannesburg; Abel Kgotso Manyeki, a Pretoria businessman; and Thabane Wiseman Zulu, the former Director-General for the National Department of Human Settlements, amongst others. They are facing more than 70 counts of fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption, and money laundering. Following their arrest, the suspects were released on bail of R50 000 to R500 000.

It is reported that the Free State Human Settlements Department in 2014 awarded Sodi the housing audit tender irregularly via his joint venture with Diamond Hill Trading, owned by murdered Welkom businessman, Igo Mpambani. Not only was the tender irregular but it is reported that kickbacks were given to some of the accused.

OFM News