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The NPA must improve their track record regarding the Estina case and if possible also expand the circle of individuals accused. The DA also believes that other senior politicians named in the Public Protector Report, that includes former Premier Ace Magashule, should not be excluded from being held accountable.

The DA in the Free State is cautiously optimistic that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) now have a strong enough case in the Vrede Dairy Estina case to ensure convictions. The application by the 16 individuals charged in the case that include former MEC for Agriculture Mosebenzi Zwane and former and current senior officials to have the case dismissed by the Bloemfontein High Court is an attempt to pervert the course of justice.

The people of the Free State deserve justice after R336 million was initially spent between 2012 and 2016 on a senseless project that was established, in conjunction with the notorious state capture linked Gupta family, to milk taxpayers. Since then an average of R20 million continues to be injected into the project that continues to run at a huge loss. Last year the 61 impoverished beneficiaries, who own 51% of the project through a trust, each received a R1300 gift card and 5kg of meat from the slaughter of an ox and old cow.

The individuals who stand accused must account for the injustices caused by this failed project to the people of the Free State, but especially to the stolen dreams of the beneficiaries and their families.

Issued by Roy Jankielsohn - DA Free State Leader