ACT reiterates its stance on asbestos case against Magashule

The African Congress for Transformation (ACT) has reiterated its stance that the impending asbestos case against Ace Magashule is driven by political motives, with the intention of isolating the former ANC Secretary-General.

“There has never been a case to begin with. If there was a case, the state would have long concluded this matter. As a law-abiding person, the President-General will once again appear before the judge in Bloemfontein on 15 April 2024, for the umpteenth time, hopefully this time around the NPA will be prepared to proceed and not seek another postponement,” ACT said in a statement on Sunday.

Magashule and 13 others face charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering for the R250-million contract the Free State department of human settlements awarded to Edwin Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting – for the assessment, audit and removal of asbestos roofing from various homes in the province.

According to the state, the money was squandered, with Magashule allegedly receiving kickbacks from its portion.

ALSO READ: ACT calls for resignation of Mapisa-Nqakula amid corruption charges.

In its argument, the ACT further condemned the “utilisation of state resources to specifically target political adversaries of Ramaphosa, as exemplified by the recent arrest of Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Speaker of the National Assembly.”

“As ACT, we do not have any issues with this matter, as we uphold the principle of the rule of law. However, a notable issue arose when the criminal justice system failed to exhibit the same level of determination in addressing the Phala Phala Farmgate incident, which prominently involved the President of the Republic, Cyril Ramaphosa.”

“In contrast, other state agencies, including the Hawks, the NPA, the Public Protector, SARS, the South African Reserve Bank, and Parliament, have banded together in a crass move to protect the President from accountability, impeachment, and prosecution,” ACT said.

Magashule has on record stated that he never asked for any postponement of the case as he wants this matter to be finalised timeously.

He believes that several delays on the side of the NPA are a clear demonstration that there is no case to be answered and that the state agency is merely carrying out a political mandate.

“It is highly regrettable how things have turned out since 2017. ACT calls on the case against President-General to be concluded forthwith, failure which the judge must strike this matter off the court roll,” ACT stated.