Ace Magashule’s Former PA Moroadi Cholota Suffers Legal Setback as Court Dismisses Urgent Application

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Moroadi Cholota, former assistant to Ace Magashule, appears in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court for her bail application. (Photo: Gallo Images / Volksblad / Mlungisi Louw)

Moroadi Cholota


Bloemfontein – Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, faced another judicial setback after the Free State High Court dismissed her urgent application with costs on Monday. The application sought to challenge the legality of her extradition from the United States and her subsequent arrest in connection with the controversial R255-million Free State asbestos project.


Cholota’s legal team had filed the urgent application in a bid to have the charges against her withdrawn, arguing that her extradition was both unconstitutional and illegal. Despite these claims, Judge Mareena Opperman questioned the urgency of the matter, leading to the dismissal of the application on procedural grounds. This decision means that Cholota will continue to face charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering alongside Magashule.

Moroadi Cholota’s legal troubles began when she was implicated in the asbestos corruption scandal, a case that has ensnared several high-profile figures, including Ace Magashule. After being extradited from the United States earlier this month, she appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, where she was granted R2,500 bail, a decision that sparked considerable debate given the nature of the charges against her.

The Free State High Court’s dismissal of her urgent application is a major blow to her defense, which sought to avoid delays in the upcoming pre-trial hearings. Cholota’s legal team argued that resolving these issues before the pre-trial would prevent accusations of delaying the proceedings. However, the court found that these issues could be addressed during the pre-trial phase, further complicating Cholota’s legal strategy.

State’s Position and Court’s Rationale

The state’s counsel contended that Cholota’s application was an attempt to undermine the judicial process and was not deserving of urgent attention. They argued that her rights had not been violated, as she was out on bail with lenient conditions. The court agreed with this assessment, stating that there was insufficient evidence to justify the urgent application and that the matter should not have been heard on an urgent basis.

Judge Opperman emphasized that the pre-trial process, set for September, would allow for any outstanding legal points to be raised, and that the application lacked the necessary urgency to warrant immediate relief. The judge’s decision to dismiss the application with costs underscores the court’s stance on maintaining the integrity of the judicial process in high-profile cases such as this.

Cholota’s Extradition and Bail Controversy

Cholota’s extradition from the United States marked a significant moment in the asbestos case, as she had been living in the US while pursuing her studies. Her return to South Africa and subsequent legal battles have drawn considerable media attention, particularly regarding the conditions of her bail. Despite opposition from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court granted her bail, arguing that she was not a flight risk.

The decision to grant bail has been a contentious issue, with some commentators suggesting that it may have been influenced by her high-profile connections. However, the court’s ruling indicates that, at least for now, Cholota will remain free while she prepares for her upcoming trial.

Social Media Reactions and Public Opinion

The news of Cholota’s legal setback has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media platform X, with users expressing a wide range of opinions. Some have criticized the court’s decision to dismiss the application, viewing it as an erosion of justice, while others have lauded the judiciary for upholding the rule of law in a case involving such serious allegations.

Prominent figures have also weighed in on the matter. Political analysts have pointed out that this case could have broader implications for Magashule’s own legal battles, as Cholota’s testimony and the evidence against her are likely to play a pivotal role in the asbestos case.

ACT Denounces Media Frenzy Over Moroadi Cholota’s Extradition
ACT Denounces Media Frenzy Over Moroadi Cholota’s Extradition

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