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ANC secretary-general, Ace Magashule has been granted bail of R200 000 after appearing in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court on Friday.
The National Prosecuting Authority said that the matter was postponed to 19 February 2021 for the addition of at least three more accused persons on the charge sheet and to join Magashule with the rest of the accused.
"He was ordered to surrender his passport; he must inform the investigating team if he wishes to travel abroad and not to be in contact with any witnesses particularly his former secretary, Moroadi Cholota," said NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema.
"In this regard, he may not, directly or through third parties, make any contact with her."
Magashule's court appearance on Friday followed the court appearance this week of seven co-accused, including Johannesburg businessman and owner of Blackhead Consulting (Pty), Pheagane Edwin Sodi (47).
The arrests relate to the controversial Free State housing asbestos audit scandal where it's alleged that millions had been paid for work that was not done.
"It is alleged that various payments were made by Free State Department of Human Settlements. to Diamond Hill Trading 71-Blackhead JV which Phikolomzi Mpambani and Sodi were the account holders. This is after the company was appointed by Mokhesi as a service provider on a contract of R 255 000 000.00. Mpambani was murdered in Johannesburg in 2017."
It is alleged that in August 2015, Magashule corruptly accepted gratification of R 53 550-00, paid on his request towards the tuition fees of the daughter of a then acting judge from Mpambani. It is further alleged that in June 2015 Magashule, accepted payment of R 470 000-00, paid on his request to M - TAG Systems for the acquisition of 200 Electronic tablets from Mpambani.
"Furthermore, it is alleged that in June 2015 Magashule accepted a payment of R 30 000-00, paid on his request to S W C Nkate from Mpambani. Between November 2015 and January 2016, a payment of R 250 000-00, on his request, was made by Mpambani to Astra Travel towards travel expenses of a delegation to Cuba," Ngwema said.
"It is further alleged that Magashule failed to report corrupt transactions in contravention of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004."
Ngwema said this is part of a criminal investigation by the Free State members of the Hawks, the Free State Office of the DPP and other NPA like the SCCU and the AFU into allegations of fraud to the value of R255 million was committed in the appointment of Blackhead Consultants for the "assessment and removal of asbestos roofs and/or housing".
He said the investigations are complete not only for Mgashule but all the 13 accused and at the next court appearance the matter will be transferred to the High Court for trial.
Meanwhile, outside the courtroom, a large group of ANC heavyweights and their supports turned up to show their support for Magashule. Among them was ANC MP, Tony Yengeni, former Minister, Malusi Gigaba and former North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo.
Speaking to the media after the proceedings, ANC national spokesperson, Pule Mabe was at pains to say whether or not the party would be asking Magashule to step aside as per the party's Congress resolution that any member who is charged with a serious crime should do so.
DA provincial leader, Roy Jankeilsohn, said he was also assaulted after party members were attacked.
