411
Fraud Charges Against Magashule’s Ex-PA Moroadi Cholota Dismissed by Bloemfontein High Court

The Bloemfontein High Court has dismissed former personal assistant to Ace Magashule, Moroadi Cholota’s, application to declare her fraud and money laundering charges unconstitutional and invalid. Acting Judge Hefer AJ delivered the judgment, marking a pivotal development in the ongoing R255 million asbestos corruption case.
Cholota, 37, who was arrested in the United States in April 2024 and extradited to South Africa in August 2024, faces multiple charges related to the controversial asbestos eradication project in the Free State dating back to 2014.
In his 37-page judgment, Judge Venter ruled that the State possesses a prima facie case against Cholota. He stated:
“The facts in the State’s possession disclose a prima facie case for prosecution owing to the payments for education and other activities facilitated by Ms. Cholota from persons involved in the Asbestos Eradication Project. There are reasonable prospects of success for prosecution emanating from these payments.”
The court found that Cholota must explain why certain businessmen associated with the asbestos project approached her for payments, especially during periods when these individuals had recently received funds from the Free State Department of Human Settlements.
Cholota challenged the case by arguing that her extradition was unlawful and that the charges lacked sufficient grounds. She claimed she had cooperated with the Zondo Commission and distinguished her role in the bursary and financial assistance schemes.
The State, however, alleged that Cholota received payments directly into her personal account from individuals connected to the project. Additionally, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) denied allegations of coercion, threats, and mental torture during her questioning in the United States.
Cholota, along with 18 co-accused, including Magashule and businessman Edwin Sodi, is set to face trial in April. According to the 110-page indictment, the asbestos project, announced by Magashule during his State of the Province Address in 2014, was fraught with irregularities.
The State claims that no work was carried out on the 300,000 houses supposedly targeted for asbestos removal. Furthermore, the indictment alleges that procurement processes were bypassed, and contracts involving Edwin Sodi’s company, Blackhead Consulting, were illegal.
The court dismissed Cholota’s application with costs, leaving her to face trial alongside the other accused. The case highlights alleged corruption at the highest levels and the misuse of funds meant to address critical public health concerns.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com