The Free State government says it hopes the Vrede investigation will be “brought to finality” so that it may continue to improve the lives of all those that rely on it for the better.
This is according to a statement issued by Premier Ace Magashule’s office, following a raid by the Hawks in his and the provincial department of agriculture’s offices this morning, which resulted in a search and seizure of computers.
These search and seizure operations are part of an investigation into the allegations of corruption and possible State Capture on the Vrede Dairy Farm.
Director General at Magashule’s office, Kopung Ralikontsane said “We wish to assure the public that we will cooperate with all law enforcement authorities doing investigations on this matter. It is, in fact, in our interest that this matter is brought to its finality to allow the Free State Provincial Government to continue its work of changing the lives of the people for the better. We wish to thank the members of the public for their patience on the matter, and we wish to commit that we will regularly update them on this matter as well as on all our activities which are implemented in line with our mandate.”
The seizure comes a week after the Bloemfontein High Court granted an order to the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit to freeze assets amounting to R220-million‚ including the Krynaauwslust Farm in Vrede.
The seizure comes following allegations that the money, which was meant to be spent on a project meant to benefit the Vrede community’s poor, instead benefitted the controversial Gupta family.
Those affected by the court order were given 90 days to appeal the order and regain their assets.
However, should they not appeal, their assets will be sold off to recover the funds.
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