Moroadi Cholota Former PA to Ace Magashule
By Thabo Mosia
Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant (PA) to the then Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, made her first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 12 August 2024. Cholota faces charges of fraud and corruption related to the infamous R255 million Free State asbestos case. The case, involving 18 accused, including five companies, was postponed to Tuesday, 13 August 2024, at the request of the state. The trial is set to continue in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein from 15 April 2025 to 23 June 2025.
Cholota, who was extradited from the United States, arrived at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday, greeted by a heavy police presence and extensive media coverage. The state has indicated its intention to challenge Cholota’s bail application, citing concerns about her potential flight risk.
In her affidavit, Cholota maintains her innocence, stating, “I am being punished by the state simply because they wanted me to directly implicate certain people in the Asbestos matter.” She argued that she should not spend another night in jail, as her co-accused have not faced similar conditions. Her defence team asserted that the state had ample time to prepare its opposition to her bail application, and there is no valid reason to keep her in custody any longer.
Cholota has been in jail since her arrest in the US on 12 April 2024, during which she sought to avoid extradition by alleging ill-treatment by interrogators. Despite her legal battles, including a recent dismissal of her request to nullify the extradition by the Constitutional Court, Cholota remains resolute in her stance. She informed the court today that she could only afford bail of R2,500.
The African Congress for Transformation (ACT), the political party led by Ace Magashule, has expressed strong support for Cholota. In a media release dated 9 August 2024, ACT condemned the alleged abuse Cholota suffered at the hands of the police upon her arrival from the US. The party described the police’s actions as a “theatrical display intended to scare an innocent woman who happens to be a mother.” The statement further criticised the timing of the event, noting that it took place “during the month dedicated to women and on the eve of International Women’s Day.”
ACT also expressed confidence in Cholota’s ability to “present the truth as she knows it” to the South African public, highlighting her bravery in the face of what they described as “blackmail” and “provocation” by authorities. The party stated, “She had a choice of signing the false statement that implicates Dr. Magashule and walk free, but she chose not to compromise her values and principles.”
Notably absent from today’s court proceedings was Ace Magashule himself, although his brother, Mabiza Magashule, attended. The ACT has been vocal in its support, portraying Cholota as a victim of political persecution.
Meanwhile, the state’s case against Cholota and the other accused centres on allegations that the Free State Department of Human Settlements awarded the asbestos contract without following proper procurement processes. Businessman Edwin Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting (Pty) Ltd and Diamond Hill Trading, who were involved in the joint venture, are among the accused. The charges include fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has issued a public notice to residents about road closures around the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court precinct due to the ongoing court case. Streets such as President Brand Street and Peet Avenue will be closed, with the City’s law enforcement and traffic services implementing measures to minimise disruption.
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