Explosive Developments in the Free State Asbestos Corruption Scandal

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News Summary

A R32 million preservation order has been issued by the Free State High Court as part of an investigation into corruption linked to the Asbestos Eradication Project.

Explosive Developments in the Free State Asbestos Corruption Scandal

In a significant legal move, the Free State High Court has handed down a preservation order worth R32 million to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). This order is a pivotal development in the ongoing investigations into a web of alleged corruption and misappropriation involving the Free State Department of Human Settlements, specifically tied to the controversial Asbestos Eradication Project.

What the Preservation Order Entails

The preservation order grants the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Hawks the power to freeze properties and assets linked to prominent figures in the scandal. This includes six properties valued at R32 million and a luxury Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG purchased with R2 million in cash. The assets have been linked to allegations of theft, fraud, and money laundering, raising serious questions about their origin.

Mthunzi Mhaga, a spokesman for the NPA, emphasized that the properties in question were acquired through illicit means, detailing a troubling pattern of financial misconduct that spanned multiple years. Reports indicate that the funds used to purchase these assets were traced back to money siphoned from the provincial government.

A Pattern of Corruption Remains Uncovered

This preservation order follows a larger restraint order of R300 million that the AFU secured back in September 2020 in connection with the same corruption scheme. Such steps are essential for ensuring that the implicated parties do not attempt to dispose of their assets while facing serious criminal charges for their alleged involvement in a system riddled with fraud and corruption.

Numerous individuals, companies, and trusts are facing significant legal repercussions linked to this complex case, including charges of fraud, theft, money laundering, and corruption—primarily associated with the Asbestos Eradication Project that was intended to eliminate hazardous materials but was instead marred by improper financial maneuvers.

Legal Proceedings and High-Profile Accusations

The trial for key individuals implicated in the asbestos scandal is set to begin on 15 April 2024. Notably, among the accused is Ace Magashule, former Secretary-General of the African National Congress, who is facing charges alongside former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota, businessman Edwin Sodi, and former Free State MEC Olly Mlamleli.

The allegations suggest that approximately R255 million worth of work was improperly funneled to Blackhead Consulting in 2014, a significant sum for a project designed to protect public health. This considerable sum raises suspicions about the integrity of the procurement processes and the prominent public officials who may have benefitted at the taxpayers’ expense. Allegedly, these officials received various forms of compensation to ignore wrongful actions, including cash payments and electronics.

The Twists of the Case: Allegations of Unlawful Extradition

Moroadi Cholota’s role in the case has taken unexpected turns; originally a state witness, she became uncooperative when questioned overseas and faced extradition back to South Africa. Cholota claimed her extradition was unlawful and viewed the legal actions against her as punitive for not implicating others, notably Magashule. Her plea argued against the court’s jurisdiction to hear her case, leading to a request to review a critical transcript of her interview with the Hawks.

As legal proceedings unfold, the next court session is scheduled for Monday, 12 May, where the focus will shift to an application to cross-examine a key witness, Captain Benjamin Calitz. The coming weeks promise to further illuminate the extensive web of deceit and corruption that has cast a long shadow over the Free State.