Former Free State premier Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, has been remanded in custody as bail proceedings are set to continue today.
Cholota’s lawyer, Loyiso Makapela, accused the State of dragging the matter unnecessarily.
However, State prosecutor Johan de Nysschen said the State needed time to prepare for answering affidavits to Cholota’s arguments.
Despite his requests for postponement, De Nysschen indicated that the State would be opposing Cholota’s bail bid, because the case is a schedule five matter.
In replying to the State’s request, Makapela said it was not acceptable for the State to ask for a postponement.
She said her client had denied all the allegations levelled against her.
Cholota was initially tipped to be a witness against Magashule, and other accused, before she reportedly failed to honour her commitment to co-operating with law enforcement.
She was then added to the list of suspects in the asbestos audit case, where money was stolen and laundered using the cover of a Free State government tender to identify houses with poisonous asbestos roofs.
At the time of the bail application, De Nysschen stressed the seriousness of the charges, adding they could land any one of the accused in jail for up to 15 years. De Nysschen also revealed the investigation into the matter is between 80 and 85% complete.
The State prosecutor also mentioned that Magashule was facing 20 charges of corruption, money laundering and fraud for his alleged involvement in the R255 million asbestos housing audit debacle.
Cholota was successfully brought back to South Africa after her extradition was authorised by the US government on July 31.
She landed at the OR Tambo International Airport under the escort of law enforcement on Thursday, and was subsequently handed over to the Hawks.
Cholota is facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering linked to the asbestos scandal.
It was revealed during the commission of inquiry into state capture in 2019 that she was involved in Magashule’s dodgy deals. She stands accused of facilitating corrupt financial transactions on behalf of Magashule.
The Star