Masina comes to Magashule’s defence: ‘I reject this arrest’
The African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule most certainly has an ally in Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina, while he awaits arrest over the R255 million asbestos saga.
In a tweet, Masina came to his fellow comrade’s defence, implying that the charges against him are politically motivated.
“You can arrest Magashule for all his sins, but not his ideas of Radical Economic Transformation. We fear nothing, we have been on this road at some point and we fear nothing. The abuse of State organs to further Political ends have short legs. We will meet at the festival OK,” he said.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, confirmed on Tuesday, 10 November 2020, that a warrant of arrest had been issued for Magashule for his role in the unfinished government project.
He is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 November 2020.
Mzwandile Masina: Magashule arrest ‘based on apartheid laws’
Masina has slammed Magashule’s arrest, claiming it is based on ‘apartheid laws’ and charged that he should not step down, in the wake of the allegations. He said he would be in court as a show of support.
“Arresting leadership based on apartheid laws does not make sense. I reject this arrest and will be in court with my SG to support him against this democratic disgrace. No stepping down is applicable until those documents are unsealed in court. No to selective prosecution,” he said.
The contract was to conduct asbestos audits in thousands of homes in the Free State. However very little work was done.
Magashule, who was premier at the time, has denied any wrongdoing, despite allegedly receiving R10 million from the deal.
“No, no one. So let see what happens. If it happens, it will happen. What I know is that I have done nothing wrong as a citizen of South Africa. I will talk to my lawyers this afternoon, I am not worried at all, it has been coming for a very long time,” he said.
News of Magashule’s arrest comes as seven suspects also linked to the project also appeared in court. The matter was postponed to February 2021 for further investigation.
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