THE controversial leader of African Congress for Transformation (ACT) and former ANC Secretary general Ace Magashule has denied he was corrupt to the core during his tenure as the premier of the Free State.
"I did not steal even a cent of government money during my term in the office," he said.
Magashule's name was mentioned in numerous corrupt activities, where money laundering, racketeering as well as corruption occurred.
He's allegedly involved in the collapsed Vrede dairy project and the controversial asbestos roofing that cost the government R255 million.
"That is why out of 48 witnesses no could one stand and testify against me. They have been trying to bribe, persuade my former personal Morwadi Cholota to write a false statement, fabricate information in order for her to be a state witness," said Magashule.
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He was referring to his pending Bloemfontein High Court case where he was charged with fraud, corruption, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. The matter has been set down for April 2024.
Magashule said the overwhelming corruption allegations that describe him as a minister of a corrupt mafia syndicate were influenced by politics.
He emphasised that during his time in the Premier's Office, everything were flourishing, hundreds of students went overseas to study the most crucial courses, which are scarce skills in the country.
He said the National Prosecuting Authority was wasting state resource on what he called a baseless case that was influenced by politics.
Magashule further claimed the current administration was stealing. He said he was going arrest them after obtaining power in 2024.
