Tensions are palpable outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court where Secretary-General Ace Magashule is set to appear on corruption-related charges.
Ace Magashule makes first court appearance on graft charges
The high-ranking ANC official is due to make his first appearance on the dock after the Hawks brought graft charges against him for his alleged involvement in the infamous R255 million asbestos-gate case.
After years of intensive investigations into Magashule’s role in the movement of the funds that were earmarked for a township roofing audit in the Free State, the Hawks finally filed its case docket against the SG to the State for prosecution.
To-date, Magashule has vehemently denied claims that he was a handler in the pillaging of the state funds which only 3% went to service the roofing project.
It’s believed the rest of the millions went towards underhanded deals with Magashule’s cronies, luxury vehicles and paying off international school fees for the former Free State Premier’s business partners.
Watch: ANC supporters burn regalia outside Bloem court
All this evidence will be tested at the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court and by the looks of what’s taken place on his first visit, it promises to be a fiery display.
Scores of ANC supporters descended in Mangaung, on Friday, holding up placards with anti-ANC rhetoric.
#AceMagashule There’s pandemonium outside of court as supporters try to break the barricade. Supra Mahumapelo, Bongani Bongo are among those trying to get into the court precinct. pic.twitter.com/t7XNNtuDEv
— Qaanitah|Mzekezeke|Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) November 13, 2020
Some were even seen burning regalia, a clear message to the higher-ups of growing divisions within the party.
Ace Magashule ‘s supporters burning an ANC T-Shirt with Cyril Ramaphosa ‘s face#AceMagashule pic.twitter.com/oKbEZlUFVR
— Mduh (@ThisIsMduh) November 13, 2020
Thus far, the ANC has not acted on its anti-corruption resolution of distancing itself from members linked to graft-related criminal charges.
“We did not discuss (him) stepping down. The issue of stepping down is a matter the NEC (national executive committee) is still seized with,” ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile told Daily Maverick.
Magashule’s first court appearance is expected to be brief. If he will address his supporters remains to be seen.
