Ace Magashule’s multi-million Rand asbestos graft trial postponed again

The corruption trial of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule for the multi-million Rand asbestos roof removal trial, has been postponed again to the 14th of June.

Magushule who is also a former ANC secretary general, alongside 17 others, are accused of over 70 counts of fraud, corruption, and money laundering, among others.

In 2014, a joint venture between Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading was awarded a contract worth R255 million to remove asbestos roofing from low-cost houses in Free State.

Ace Magashule and his alleged accomplices are said to have received substantial kickbacks for their involvement in the scheme, despite little to no actual work being done on the contract.

They attempted to contest their prosecution, but their case was dismissed by the high court in March 2022.

The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) upheld this decision in May 2023, stating that there were no viable grounds for an appeal.

The trial has been set down to run for more than two months until 23 June.

Speaking on the sidelines outside court, Magashule insists that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) doesn’t have anything on him.

“I’m ready but because there’s no trial, my readiness means something else. NPA is wasting our time. I’ve said I have never taken a cent, never stole any government money. I’ve never done anything wrong, and they know for sure.

They delay and delay…I expect another delay. We are ready for the trial. We (are) supposed to start today but I don’t what’s going to happen it’s clear that the state is not ready because they know that they have no case,” said Magashule.