Vincent Mcneao and Lungani Zungu
ANC supremo Ace Magashule walked out of court on R200,000 bail on Friday.
It was a day of high drama at Magashule’s fraud and corruption trial, as police blocked two of his close associates from entering the court, while his fans cheered outside.
There was a festive atmosphere outside the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court when ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule arrived to face charges of fraud.
While he had said he didn’t expect people to come to court, it is no surprise that many people were in the streets chanting, “Hands off Ace Magashule, hands off!” This comes after Magashule has urged his supporters not to have his face on their T-shirts when they gathered to show support.
Magashule handed himself over to the Hawks in Bloemfontein on Friday and was taken to court. On arrival he had a secret meeting with ANC members, including party spokesman Pule Mabe. Journalists were pushed away by security. He then got onto the stage and addressed the crowd.
Among the people in attendance were former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, former finance minister Malusi Gigaba, Mayor of Ekurhuleni Mzwandile Masina, ANC national spokesman Pule Mabe, former transport minister Joe Maswanganyi and NEC member Tony Yengeni.
Mahumapelo and Carl Niehaus, pictured above, were blocked from entering the court.
Magashule told the crowd there were comrades who were hired by the media to tarnish his name and he said he would provide information on the people and described them as “those who were making a noise.”
He said he had not taken a cent and said he will expose others at the right time and he would make a major revelation in the coming week.
“I will go live and give you a story that will shake South Africa,” he said.
Magashule was granted bail of R200,000 and will appear again on 19 February next year.
NPA spokesman Sipho Ngwema said they have a strong case. He said at least three more accused will appear on the charge sheet to join Magashule.
Magashule told Scrolla.Africa afterwards that there was no truth in talk about his presidential ambitions. “I don’t have ambitions to become president.”
Asked whether he would contest any leadership position when the party held its elective conference in 2022, he said, “We will cross that bridge when we get to it.”
Video source: Newzroom Afrika
