Corruption-accused Ace Magashule pleads not guilty: 'I'm ready now'
Magashule and 17 others are being tried for the controversial R255 million asbestos tender, where 300,000 township houses were supposed to have asbestos removed from their roofs.
Former ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule in the Bloemfontein High Court on 5 May 2023 for his role of awarding a tender to replace asbestos roofs in Free State. Picture: Katlego Jiyane/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Former Free State Premier Ace Magashule has maintained he believes the case against him is a smear campaign and a fishing expedition, as the asbestos trial enters a second day.
Magashule and 17 others are being tried for the controversial R255 million asbestos tender, where 300,000 township houses were supposed to have asbestos removed from their roofs.
All his co-accused have also pleaded not guilty.
Magashule, who is accused number 13 in the asbestos corruption matter, has maintained a confident posture in the Free State High Court.
When his turn came to plead, he gave his position and even more than what was asked of him.
“I’ve always been ready and I’m ready now. I fairly understand all the counts and all the alternatives. I think I’m okay. From the onset, I’ve pleaded not guilty publicly and I’m doing so today [Wednesday].”
As he took his seat, Magashule jokingly addressed the court.
“This case is it Mokhesi and other 17 accused or Magashule and other 17 accused?”
Judge Phillip Loubser answered that it is the housing head of department, Nthimotse Mokhesi, who is the first accused.
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