Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant has been arrested in the United States of America and was due to appear in court on Monday.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that Moroadi Cholota, was arrested by authorities in America, adding that the state will commence with the extradition process as soon as possible, to have her back in South Africa.
Magashule together with his co-accused which include the likes of Edwin Sodi face charges of corruption and fraud relating to the Free State R255 million asbestos contract.
It is alleged the Free State Department of Human Settlement awarded the contract to the Blackhead Consulting joint venture, to audit, assess and remove asbestos from homes in some of the Free State’s poorest areas, about six years ago.
The trial was due to start in the Bloemfontein High Court on Monday.
However, the NPA said the Judge President of the Free State, presiding over the matter, was informed that the trial was not going to commence as planned due to certain circumstances.
NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the reasons for the delay included that accused 5, which is a company, still did not have legal representation.
“The second reason was that Sarah Mlamleli, former Member of the Executive Council (MEC) could not be in court as she was still sick and will only be able to be in court in July 2024.”
The NPA said an earlier application by Magashule, Edwin Sodi, Blackhead Consulting, and Thabane Zulu, asking the High Court to find that there was no prima facie case that could sustain a successful prosecution against them, was dismissed by the court.
“They have all been charged, together with Nthimotse Mokhesi, Mahlomola Matlakala, Sello Radebe, Kgotso Manyeki, Sarah Mlamleli, Nozipho Molikoe, Albertus Venter, Moroadi Cholota, Margaret-Ann Deidericks, and three other companies, 602 Consulting Solutions, Mastertrade 232 and Ori Group, with fraud, corruption, money laundering and the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).”
The matter has been postponed to June 14 for a pre-trial conference.
“The NPA is hopeful it will lead to parties (prosecution and defence) agreeing on a suitable date for the trial to commence,” concluded Senokoatsane.
Magashule is out on R200,000 bail, which was extended.
-IOL News
In other news – Divorce turns ugly as Lebo M’s wife demands R150 000 spousal maintenance and other funds
The divorce battle has turned ugly between Lion King composer Lebo M, real name Lebohang Morake, and his estranged wife, Pretty Samuels. According to a local publication, Samuels has a list of financial demands that she has tabled at the Johannesburg High Court.
One of Samuels’ demands us allegedly R150 000 in monthly spousal maintenance. The month allegedly includes R23 000 for a car instalment, R5 000 for cellphone, R35 000 for rent or bond, R10 000 per month for holiday allowance, and R6 500 for groceries. Read More
The post Ace Magashule’s personal assistant Moroadi Cholota due to be extradited after being arrested in the US appeared first on News365.co.za.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions