He was addressing throngs of media at the scorching Bloemfontein, following the adjournment of the case.
Magashule faces 70 corruption charges in the asbestos roofing saga in the Free State. All 16 accused were granted bail.
His case and other co-accused including officials and businessmen was postponed to August 11, 2021 at the Bloemfontein High Court, for pre-trial.
Asked if he’s confident he will win the case, Ace said, without blinking that he wanted a “speedy court hearing, because justice delayed is something else”, he commented, flanked by the ANC’s national spokesperson Pule Mabe.
“ANC will deal with the political matter and I will handle the legal matter,” he said further, when asked if his organisation is concerned about the legalities and charges against him.
Spokesperson for National Prosecuting Agency, Sipho Ngwema said they’ve been ready as early as September to proceed and press charges against Magashule and others.
“Its unfortunate the case has been postponed for August, as wanted this matter to be dealt with as speedily as possible but the Judge has decided otherwise,” he said.
“They are all charged with more than 70 counts of fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption in contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, money laundering and contravention of various Asbestos Regulations, promulgated in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993,” the National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement.
Meanwhile, thousands of ANC supporters resplendent in regalia failed to observe the Covid-19 rules as they gathered outside the famous LockLogan Park.
There was no social distancing adhered to as they sang and danced ahead of Magashule’s address, though he did not due to the rules and regulations as stipulated by law.
Supporters also included ANC’s disgruntled Andile Lungisa, SACP, Cosatu, clergymen and other leaders.
Men in blue and other security agencies were on stand-by, including members of the MKMVA.
Image (Ace Magashule in Bloemfontein Court).
