Former Free State Premier Says Legal Drag is Politically Motivated
BLOEMFONTEIN – Former Free State Premier Ace Magashule has expressed frustration over the prolonged delays in the R255 million asbestos corruption case, claiming the drawn-out legal process is undermining his political ambitions ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Magashule, who remains a central figure in South African politics despite his legal troubles, accused prosecutors of deliberately stalling the trial, calling the repeated postponements a form of political sabotage.
“These delays are not innocent. They are a calculated attempt to damage my name and stall my campaign,” said Magashule outside court on Wednesday.
⚖️ Case Background
Magashule is one of over a dozen accused in the multi-million rand asbestos audit scandal, involving allegations of fraud, corruption, and money laundering during his tenure as premier. The case, initially set to proceed in 2023, has faced repeated setbacks due to extradition complications, legal challenges, and procedural delays.
🗳️ 2026 Election Impact
Magashule, now leading the African Congress for Transformation (ACT), is preparing to contest municipal seats across the Free State and Gauteng. He says the legal cloud has made campaigning difficult, with public trust and political support hanging in the balance.
“Let the court do its job, but let it do it fairly and swiftly,” he added.
