Just in: Seven Free State asbestos project accused granted bail

The seven people accused in the R255 million Free State asbestos corruption case have been released on bail ranging from R50 000 to R500 000 in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday 2 October. 

Making their first appearance after becoming the first people to be arrested as a result of testimony delivered to the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, the seven officials will now have to surrender their passports and adhere to strict bail conditions as the case against them is finalised. 

State does not oppose bail for Free State corruption accused  

The state did not oppose bail but insisted that it should be set high given the seriousness of the offences, which the court agreed with. 

African National Congress (ANC) associated businessman Edwin Sodi, who was arrested on Wednesday, has been granted R500 000 bail, while the other six accused officals, including ousted Mangaung  Mayor Sarah “Olly” Mlamleli and head of the department of human settlements in the Free State, Nthimose Mokhesi, will have to pay between 50 000 and R100 000.

The following are accused in the matter, and are facing some 60 charges fraud, theft, attempted theft, corruption money laundering, and contravention of Asbestos Regulations:

• Nthimotse Mokhesi
• Mahlomola Matlakala
• Edwin Sodi 
• Sello Radebe 
• Abel Monyeki 
• Thabane Zulu 
• Sarah Olly Mlamleli

In addition, the following companies are implicated in the scandal:

• Blackhead Consulting
• Diamond Hill Trading 
• 605 Consulting Solutions
• Mastertrade 232
• Ori Group

Accused bemoan high bail demand 

According to state prosecutor Johan De Nysschen, the state’s investigation into the matter is between 80 and 85% done. He added that the provisional indictment is ready to be handed over.

Two of the suspects’ legal representatives raised concerns regarding the R100 000 bail, but De Nysschen said that the amount is fair given the severity of the accusations. 

“These are extremely serious charges that could land any of the the accused in jail for up to 15 years,” he said. 

This is a developing story.