Ruling African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule was granted bail of R200 000 on Friday as he appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 21 counts of fraud, corruption and money-laundering.

One of the most powerful politicians in the country, and a political foe of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Magashule became accused number 13 in the Free State asbestos scandal that played out during his tenure as premier of the province.

Setting bail, Magistrate Amos Moos said it was a reasonable amount given the severity of the charges against the former Free State premier, after State prosecutor Johan de Nysschen had asked for bail to be set at a quarter of a million rand.

Magashule’s lawyer, Laurance Hodes SC, countered that his client could not afford R250 000, after telling the court that Magashule’s total assets were roughly R700 000 and that he did not own any property.

The State did not oppose bail, on the grounds that Magashule had fully co-operated with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) after a warrant for his arrest was issued on Tuesday, and did not pose a flight risk.

On Friday, Magashule handed himself over to the Hawks at their Mangaung offices, as scores of supporters and detractors protested in the street in a reflection of the deep factional divide in the ruling party.

Magashule is the most senior politician to be arrested since late September, when the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) began bringing corruption charges against a slew of officials and politically connected businessmen.

The charges stem from a suspect R255-million asbestos audit contract that allegedly saw most of the money flowing to the ANC and wealthy businessmen linked to the party.

Among them is Edwin Sodi, who has also been indicted and is due back in court with Magashule and the other 11 accused in February next year.

De Nysschen confirmed that Magashule’s former PA Moroadi Cholota had agreed to become a State witness – an important development that may help the State secure convictions in the complex corruption case.

Magashule’s bail conditions therefore included not making contact with her.

On Friday, Mangaung was awash with supporters of the ANC secretary-general, many clad in African National Congress regalia, despite a plea by the party’s top six leaders – which they said Magashule had endorsed – not to turn the case into a partisan spectacle.

While supporters protested his innocence, others said they had gathered to see justice served and hoped Magashule would go to jail because rampant corruption had impoverished the people of the Free State.

“I am here to see justice served. He must go to jail, we have been struggling,” a woman told television news channel eNCA.

Prominent politicians who came to support the ANC secretary-general included former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, who accompanied him to the Hawks’ offices and said he believed Magashule was innocent.

ANC spokesperson Dakota Legoete was also on the scene, as was Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina.