Range Rovers, Maseratis: Magashule's circle used state funds on whips

- Startling allegations have emerged at the State Capture Inquiry in relation to Ace Magashule and his time as Free State Premier

- The commission heard how the ANC secretary-general was linked directly to a R225 million 'asbestos removal' contract

- State funds were allegedly used to purchase luxury vehicles instead of going to public works

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The State Capture Inquiry heard how Ace Magashule's time as the Free State Premier saw him tied in with some questionable deals.

A R225 million 'asbestos removal' contract was linked to the ANC secretary-general and his former cronies.

Prosecution Advocate Paul Pretorious led the forensic analysis on Tuesday detailing how the contract was not honours.

Instead, the public works funding was funnelled to those in Magashule's inner circle with at least two of his colleagues scoring high-end vehicles.

The inquiry heard how Blackhead Consulting, a Gauteng-based firm, owned by Edwin Sodi had led the apparent network of beneficiaries linked to the deal:

“Sodi paid the motor dealer R600 000 at the time of the project. And Mr Zulu uses it as a deposit for a vehicle […] a Range Rover. there are others that involve the payment of fees from this money at the request of the Premier of the time, Mr Ace Magashule.”

READ ALSO: ANC deeply embarrassed over numerous Covid-19 corruption allegations

Department of Human Settlements Director-General Thabane Zulu was fingered in the deal as well as a mysterious Mr Ntuli:

“In one transaction the money was used to buy a Maserati for a Mr Ntuli. Where that set of transactions has its origins was not finally established by the investigators. It shows a pattern of the ability to identify a moneymaking opportunity using funds of the fiscus to that purpose and abuse procurement processes.”

Ironically, Briefly.co.za reported that Magashule had issued a statement from the ANC concerning allegations of corruption in relation to the fortune allocated to Covid-19 relief amid the pandemic.

The secretary-general had detailed how the allegations had forced the ruling party to hand its head in shame:

“The ANC is outraged and deeply embarrassed by recent allegations that some, including its own leaders and members, has sought to benefit unlawfully from the devastating suffering and impoverishment caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. These developments cause us collectively to dip our heads in shame and to humble ourselves before the people."

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Source: Briefly News