Magashule was speaking after the long-running R255 million asbestos corruption trial involving several high-profile political and business figures was postponed once again. The accused appeared before the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Monday (26/1), where the matter was postponed to 2 March. 

Last week, the Constitutional Court ruled the extradition of Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, unlawful. 

While the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled against the manner of her extradition, it sent the matter back for further consideration, requiring the trial court to first finalise a trial-within-a-trial regarding her status before the main proceedings can continue.

Speaking to Newsroom Afrika, Magashule expressed frustration, insisting the case was politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation and that of his co-accused.

“It’s frustrating because it is our image out there, and we are seen as corrupt people. People are not saying these are allegations, but it’s deliberate, it’s political.”

“I’ve said from the onset, you will see when the trial is on, and I wish that on 2 March, the trial should actually continue. 

“If (the) state can pay for those guys who committed a lot of atrocities during apartheid, and they pay for their legal fees, and they can’t actually pay for Tim Mokhesi, who was HOD, where is justice?”

Magashule also welcomed the court’s indication that the matter would continue in March, adding that critical information would emerge. He maintained the case would demonstrate that state institutions have been captured for political ends.

“We are going to prove that this case is political. It was about us and the 2022 conference of the ANC, nothing else. Remember, they used certain information to charge Moroadi.

“First and foremost, they said she was a willing state witness, which was not true because the recordings were played in this court, and they will still be played again. That is why I don’t think NPA is going to respond to what Moroadi’s legal team is going to say.”

Meanwhile, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga said the delay was unavoidable, given the Constitutional Court’s ruling and the need to resolve Cholota’s legal position first.

Mhaga explained the Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision necessitated further argument before the trial court could proceed with the main case.

“We think there is a reasonable opportunity given to both parties to augment their arguments and submissions in order to deal with the remaining ground, which we had thought earlier the judge could rule on them, allow himself time to apply his mind to it, but the defense was of the view that they wanted to make further submissions.”

Mhaga also raised concerns about potential future delays linked to the lack of legal representation for former Free State head of human settlements, Timothy Mokhesi. He said the NPA hoped Legal Aid South Africa would intervene to prevent further setbacks.

The State Capture Commission’s fourth report recommended that the NPA consider criminal charges against controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, Mokhesi, and Thabane Zulu, former director-general in the national department of human settlements, for their alleged roles in the Free State asbestos eradication project.

The case centres on a 2014 tender awarded by the Free State department of human settlements for the auditing and removal of asbestos from low-cost homes, a R255 million project intended to protect residents from serious health risks such as lung cancer and asbestosis.

Prosecutors allege that the tender was irregularly awarded to companies linked to Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting, with funds misappropriated through inflated costs and kickbacks. Despite substantial payments, little or no work was allegedly done, leaving thousands of homes still exposed to hazardous asbestos.

Magashule, who was premier at the time, is accused of approving the irregular contract. 

He has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the case is part of a broader political agenda rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh