The high-profile asbestos roof removal corruption trial resumed today in the Free State High Court, with damning allegations of large-scale financial misconduct involving government officials and politically connected businesspeople.
On the second day of proceedings last week, Prosecutor and Senior Counsel Nazeer Cassim laid out details of the alleged misuse of public funds earmarked for the removal of asbestos roofing—a hazardous material affecting thousands of low-income homes.
Cassim told the court that millions of rands were siphoned from the Department of Human Settlements, with the money flowing into the pockets of businessmen, politicians, and senior officials under the guise of legitimate payments.
“The evidence will show how the accused were rewarded,” said Cassim, adding that the state will call multiple witnesses to testify on how the scheme operated.
Among the specific transactions outlined:
- R10 million was allegedly paid to Accused 13 between November 2014 and March 2015
- R5 million to Accused 1 during the same period
- R1 million each to Accused 12 and Accused 18
“Numbers don’t lie,” Cassim asserted, emphasising the paper trail behind the state’s case.
The trial, which has drawn national attention, is set to continue throughout the week as the prosecution unpacks the intricate network of alleged corruption that has marred the controversial asbestos project.