Former Free State Premier Ace Magashule’s ex-personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, is set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court today, facing fraud and corruption charges related to the botched R255 million asbestos tender. Cholota, who recently returned to South Africa after studying in the US, is accused of facilitating corrupt financial transactions on behalf of Magashule. Initially, she agreed to be a State witness but later refused to cooperate with investigators.
The State is expected to proceed with the case, which has experienced significant delays. Cholota’s legal team is confident she will be granted bail, despite the State’s intention to oppose her release. This development marks a crucial step in the long-awaited trial, which has been hindered by Cholota’s extradition and her subsequent refusal to cooperate with the investigation.
The case against Cholota and Magashule, along with other government officials, is linked to the 2019 commission of inquiry into state capture, which revealed Cholota’s involvement in Magashule’s questionable dealings. The court’s decision on Cholota’s bail application will be a key moment in the case, as the State seeks to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their alleged roles in the corruption scandal.
