A warrant for arrest was issued for African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Ace Magashule. This was confirmed by Free State Hawks spokesperson Captain Lynda Steyn on Tuesday, November 10. The arrest warrant was signed by National Director of Public Prosecutions, and pertains to a R255-million asbestos audit contract in the Free State.
In a story broken by Daily Maverick investigative unit Scorpio, Magashule is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein High Court on Friday, November 13 and he has also been given an opportunity to voluntarily present himself to the authorities.
Magashule is expected to appear on charges of fraud and corruption, and businessman Edwin Sodi has also been arrested in connection with the contract. Others linked to this deal have already been arrested and charged by the Hawks as part of their investigation.
This warrant comes after previous confusion regarding the Hawks interest in Magashule with a previous report regarding his arrest being contested by both Magashule and the Hawks.
Allegations of corruption have followed Magashule for years, with Scorpio reporter Pieter Louis-Myburg’s book Gangster State, outlining some of his alleged dealings.
The ANC and Magashule have yet to release an official comment on the warrant.
Picture: Polity.org