The High Court in Bloemfontein has postponed suspended African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule’s corruption case to 19 October.

Magashule and his co-accused, who include former Mangaung mayor, Olly Mlamleli and businessmen Edwin Sodi are facing more than 70 charges of money laundering, theft and corruption relating to a R255 million failed asbestos roofing project.

More charges are expected to be added against ANC secretary general and former Free State premier Ace Magashule, who was expected to be in the dock this morning.

The state argues that unlawful payments of R873 550 were made, allegedly distributed on Magashula’s instruction, as part of the R255 million asbestos tender. Therefore, it was announced last year that Magashule’s former personal assistant has been secured as a witness because of her knowledge of how the money was allegedly distributed.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority has also announced that it has arrested three more people in connection with the Free State asbestos case, ensuring that the number has now increased to 15. All the accused have been ordered to return to court on 19 October.