By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Moroadi Cholota (37), former personal assistant of Ace Magashule will finally appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s court on Monday (12/8) after she was successfully extradited from the USA.
Cholota was apprehended in June in the USA and the court determined the charges against her were “extraditable offences.”
She faces multiple charges related to the failed R255 million asbestos project initiated in 2014. The charges include fraud and corruption, stemming from the scandal involving the Free State Department of Human Settlements. The project, which was meant to address asbestos issues in public housing, has been marred by allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement.
The Hawks spokesperson, Philani Nkwalase, confirmed Cholota’s extradition was authorised by USA authorities on 31 July. She arrived back in South Africa on Thursday (8/8) and was processed by Hawks detectives before her court appearance.
Cholota had previously been implicated in the case following a warrant of arrest issued against her in 2021. Despite a prior agreement to voluntarily surrender to authorities, she failed to honor this commitment, leading to her arrest abroad.
The role of Cholota was first brought to light by the State Capture Commission on 6 December 2019. She provided details about the R225-million asbestos scandal and the alleged money trail.
Cholota’s testimony revealed much about the intermediary role she played in requesting financial favours from people like Ignatius “Igo” Mpambani on behalf of her boss. Mpambani was subsequently murdered.
The asbestos contract relates to a joint venture between Edwin Sodi’s Blackhead Consulting and the late Mpambani’s Diamond Hill Trading 74, which secured the lucrative contract from the Free State Department of Human Settlements in 2014.
Her lawyer Piet Tibane said his client was processed and will appear in court within 48 hours, meaning she makes her first appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on Monday.
Tibane said he remains optimistic about securing bail for her client.
A total of 18 accused individuals, including five companies, are scheduled to stand trial in the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein from 15 April to 23 June 2025.