By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The trial against African Congress for Transformation(ACT) leader Ace Magashule and co-accused charged with corruption relating to the R255m asbestos roofing removal tender in the Free State has been postponed to 2026.
This follows submissions by the state that they will appeal Moroadi Cholota’s United States extradition judgment, which the court ruled in her favour.
Cholota challenged the legality of her extradition from United States. She argued the court had no jurisdiction to hold her criminally liable.
The state’s prosecutor Johan de Nysschen says they believe that a different court will reach a different outcome.
Judge Phillip Loubster, who is presiding over the matter at the Bloemfontein High Court, said the trial should be pursued during the first term and the first half of the second term in 2026.
“This trial cannot go on for the next 10 years; I will not allow it. So, we will have to make amends where necessary,” said Judge Loubster.
Judge Loubser has indicated that there is immense pressure to conclude the asbestos case as it’s been on the roll for far too long.
The accused were visibly agitated in court following the state’s request for a postponement.
The state’s application for leave to appeal will be heard next week Friday.
According to Magashule, the state would always claim to be prepared but still force them to wait in court for 30 minutes for witnesses before offering a new justification at their subsequent appearance.
“They said they are ready. This case is financially burdensome for us; we want to demonstrate our innocence and cooperate with the state so they cannot continue to come here, waste our time, and postpone proceedings,” Magashule said in court after the trial was postponed.
“We also have our commitments. Campaigns must start for next year’s election, as it’s not always about the state.”
Cholota is one of the accused, alongside Magashule in the asbestos scandal, which included charges of fraud, corruption, theft and racketeering.
These charges stem from a contract awarded in 2014 by the Free State department of human settlements to a joint venture between Diamond Hill Trading and Blackhead Consulting.
The other co-accused are businessman Edwin Sodi, former director-general of national Department of Housing Thabane Zulu, as well as Nthimotse Mokhesi, Mahlomola Matlakala, Sello Radebe, Adel Kgotso Manyeki, Nozipho Molikoe, Albertus Venter, Margaret-Ann Diedericks and former MEC and Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli.