Head of Department, Free State Department of Agriculture
Peter Thabethe: what the State Capture Commission found, and what happened next
Where it stands
Thabethe is an accused in the Nulane retrial. The case was re-enrolled on 4 June 2026 and postponed to 22 September 2026. The outcome of that date was not confirmed.Named in the Commission's report: Part VI Vol 1 (Estina).
What the Commission found
- The Commission found that he failed dismally to do his job and to protect taxpayers' money on the Vrede project.3Report reference: Part VI Vol 1 (Estina)
What happened next
- Discharged. The Free State High Court discharged the Nulane accused, including Thabethe.2
- Acquittal overturned. The Supreme Court of Appeal ordered a retrial.2
- Case re-enrolled at the Bloemfontein Magistrates' Court and postponed to 22 September 2026 for disclosure of the docket.1
Their response
No public response was found in the sources reviewed.
Sources
- African News Agency, Gupta-linked Vrede dairy farm case back on court roll (4 June 2026)
- Daily Maverick, NPA secures major State Capture win: Gupta associates Sharma, Ragavan, and Free State officials heading back to court (12 June 2025)
- Polity.org.za, Zondo says Magashule, Zwane pushed 'Gupta agenda' with Vrede project, recommends criminal probe (News24Wire) (23 June 2022)
Commission findings are not criminal convictions. Some findings have been challenged in court. Each finding is attributed to the Commission and linked to its report.