Margaret Ann Diedricks from Alberton was arrested on July 20 by the Hawks after she has been connected to the infamous Free State asbestos project that cost taxpayers a total of R255m.

Captain Christopher Singo, spokesperson for the Hawks, said: “It is alleged that during 2014 and 2017 an irregular contract was awarded to a service provider for the eradication of asbestos roofs by the Department of Human Settlements in the Free State.

“The suspect, who was the acting HOD of the Department of Human Settlements in Gauteng, also authorised the same service provider irregularly in Gauteng. She then fraudulently received an amount of more than R7m from the service provider.”

Singo said the matter was reported to the Hawks for further investigation, which culminated in the arrest of the woman. Twelve other accused including five companies have already been arrested regarding the asbestos case.

Diedricks appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court on July 21 and was released on R100 000 bail. She will appear with her 12 co-accused in court again on September 23.