The long-awaited R255 million corruption trial of former Free State Premier Ace Magashule kicked off today, April 15, 2025, at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein, drawing national attention to one of South Africa’s most high-profile graft cases. Magashule, alongside 17 co-accused, faces over 70 charges ranging from fraud and corruption to theft, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Finance Management Act. The allegations stem from a controversial 2014 asbestos roof removal contract awarded to Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading, a deal the state claims delivered just R21 million in actual services, while the rest of the funds vanished into a maze of kickbacks and unlawful transactions. Despite mounting evidence, Magashule has maintained his innocence, calling the charges politically motivated. The trial, expected to run until June 23, promises to be a seismic moment in South Africa’s fight against high-level corruption, with the courtroom now a stage where power, politics, and accountability collide.
💼Millions, Politics, and Power: Ace Magashule’s R255 Million Corruption Trial Begins in Bloemfontein
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