The Free State Asbestos Corruption charges have been brought against former Free State Premier Ace Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi, five companies and 16 co-accused. The charges relate to a R255 million tender awarded in 2014 for the auditing and removal of asbestos roofs in the Free State. Magashule, Sodi, the five companies. and the co-accused are accused of orchestrating a scheme that diverted public funds intended for the removal of hazardous asbestos from homes in the province's poorest communities.​ A R255 million contract was awarded in 2014 to a joint venture between Sodi's Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading, owned by the late businessman Igo Mpambani. The State alleges that the contract was irregularly awarded, with kickbacks provided to some of the accused. Instead of effectively removing asbestos from about 30 000 homes, only R21 million worth of work was reportedly completed, with the remainder of the funds allegedly misappropriated. Magashule, who was the Free State Premier at the time, faces accusations of receiving various benefits, including school tuition for a Gupta associate's daughter, electronic tablets, and R250,000 for travel expenses to Cuba. These alleged gratifications were reportedly facilitated through payments made by Mpambani's company, following email requests from Magashule's former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota.