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Corrugated asbestos cement roofing.
The multi-million rand asbestos roof removal scandal is back in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The 15th of April is a set date for the long-awaited trial to commence, following many postponements.
Eighteen accused, including the former African National Congress (ANC )secretary general, Ace Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi, former Human Settlements director-general, Thabani Zulu and others, are facing charges of corruption and money laundering.
This relates to the alleged irregular awarding of the R255-million asbestos roof removal contract in the Free State in October 2014.
The trial was set for a period between the 15th of April to 23 June 2025. However, some of the accused have already indicated challenges with trial readiness.
Judge Celeste Reinders says, “So, what I suggest is that since we are here today, I will make the order … to proceed on the date, as has been set down and of course at that stage all of these issues can be sorted.”
Among them, former personal assistant to Magashule, Moroadi Cholota who told the court in the last appearance that she is not trial ready and intends to go to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) to have her arrest and extradition from the USA declared unlawful.
Advocate Loyiso Makapela explains: “But going to the financial constraints and the inability to obtain new counsel, I will also be her counsel in the criminal matter. And as a result My Lady, as things currently stands – we are not ready to proceed.”
In her last court appearance, the then Human Settlement MEC Olly Mlamleli also presented her complications.
“I can’t now because the process is slow on selling my assets. Therefore, I can’t pay them … they said they are not going to represent me both my instructing attorney and my counsellor.”
The state is adamant that it is trial ready. It has however, stated that the firing and changing of lawyers is not advancing this matter, but emphasised that it is doable to prepare for a trial and not delay the case further.
Johan Nysschen says, “I understand the predicament but as I’ve said previously, the forensic report that nearly 31,000 pages sums up everything. Once you have read that you know what’s going on in this case and forensic expert will be one of the first witness.”
Both the state and other accused have accused each other of playing delaying tactics.
Tuesday’s proceedings will tell if the trial will go ahead or face another postponement after being on the roll for years.
Meanwhile, to date almost 36,000 houses are still roofed with asbestos.
-Reporting by Matshidiso Selebeleng
