In a significant legal development, the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein has dismissed with costs an application from Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to former premier Ace Magashule, to have fraud and corruption charges against her dropped.
Cholota had filed an urgent application seeking to have the charges quashed, but the court found in favor of the prosecution.
Background on Cholota’s Legal Battle
The case was first heard in August 2024 when Cholota applied to have her extradition declared unlawful, along with the request to drop the charges related to the infamous R255 million asbestos scandal in the Free State.
However, her attempt to enroll the matter as urgent was dismissed with costs.
After a second hearing in November 2024, the judgment was finally handed down on January 23, 2025, with the court delivering its decision in less than 30 seconds.
No specific reasons for the dismissal were provided at that time.
Cholota had been extradited from the United States in August 2024, following her involvement in the asbestos case, and was granted R2500 bail by the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court.
The Asbestos Scandal and the Charges Against Cholota
The charges stem from the controversial asbestos audit case, where government funds were stolen and laundered under the guise of a tender aimed at identifying houses with asbestos roofing.
Cholota is accused of being involved in fraud and corruption, alongside several other individuals, including her former boss Ace Magashule and notorious businessman Edwin Sodi.
Other individuals named in connection with the case include former MEC Olly Mlamleli, former Director-General of the national Department of Human Settlements Thabane Zulu, and several others.
The Road Ahead: Pre-Trial and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Cholota’s legal journey is far from over, as the asbestos case is set for pre-trial proceedings in April 2025.
This latest court ruling only adds another chapter to the long-running scandal that has rocked South African politics and business.
As this case continues to unfold, many are left to wonder how the involvement of powerful figures, including Magashule, will impact the legal process and whether justice will ultimately be served.
What do you think about the court’s decision to dismiss Cholota’s application? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or by reaching out to us directly.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn