TRIAL DATE SET IN THE FREE STATE ASBETOS CASE
BLOEMFONTEIN: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is relieved that a trial in the Free State asbestos case will finally proceed after both the state and defence agreed on a date. The parties agreed on a date from 15 April until 23 June 2024, on which the trial will be heard in the High Court of South Africa: Free State Division.
The case relates to a R230 million contract that was awarded to Diamond Hill Trading (Pty) Ltd by the Free State Department of Human Settlements in 2014, for removal of asbestos roofing in the province.
The accused, who include Nthimotse Mokhesi, Ace Magashule, Edwin Sodi and others, are facing a total of 95 charges that include fraud and corruption.
One of the accused, Mahlomola Matlakala appeared without a lawyer and Lindikhaya Mpambani, who is representing Diamond Hill Trading, did not come to court and a warrant for his arrest was issued. Matlakala and Mpambani will appear in court again on 19 May 2023, to confirm that they have resolved their legal representation.
