The case against former Free State premier Ace Magashule regarding the R225-million asbestos removal tender resumes at the Bloemfontein High Court on Friday.
The pre-trial was postponed in June pending the finalisation of Magashule’s application for leave to appeal judgment that toppled his bid to have charges dropped.
Magashule faces 21 charges of fraud and corruption related to the asbestos removal tender during his tenure as the premier of the province. He is out on R200 000 bail.
Four of the 15 co-accused, who also face charges of fraud, corruption and money-laundering have also applied for charges to be withdrawn.
The State has, in the meantime, filed papers to have Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, repatriated from the US to give evidence in court.
In January, Magashule lost a bid to have his suspension from the ANC overturned when the appeal court dismissed his application.
The embattled Magashule, who addressed the media outside the court on Friday, maintains that he is innocent and that the charges are a political plot to taint his image.
Also read:Magashule, co-accused fail to have asbestos charges dropped
Court postpones Magashule’s fraud, corruption pre-trial case
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