Proceedings in the high court in Bloemfontein were once again postponed as accused number one continues his struggle to secure legal representation. The matter returned to court on Thursday (9/4).

Last month, it was postponed to allow a former Free State human settlements HOD, Nthimotse Mokhesi, to obtain new legal advice. Mokhesi has been without representation since January after his lawyer withdrew from the case due to financial constraints.

Despite the court’s efforts to move the case forward, it remains stuck in the pre-trial phase, with repeated delays slowing progress in what is widely regarded as one of the province’s most significant corruption cases.

During Thursday’s proceedings, former premier Ace Magashule, supported by some legal counsel, requested that the trial be postponed to 2027. However, presiding judge Phillip Loubser approved a shorter postponement to give Mokhesi additional time to secure legal representation.

“This matter between the state, Nthimotse Mokhesi and seventeen others is now postponed to 20 August at 09:30 … Bail of all accused is extended, and they are all warned to be present that day,” said Loubser.

“The postponement is to provide time for the application for accused number one to be provided with legal representation and state expense to run its cause.”

The asbestos case has drawn significant public scrutiny due to the scale of the alleged corruption and the high-profile individuals involved. Among the accused are Magashule, his former PA Moradi Cholota, businessman Edwin Sodi, and former Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli.

In total, 18 accused face more than 70 charges, including fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption, and money laundering. The charges relate to the alleged misuse of R255m in public funds earmarked for the removal of hazardous asbestos roofing in the Free State.

All accused were previously granted bail, with amounts ranging from R50,000 to R500,000.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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