Nowhere to run for Ace Magashule as case gets stronger

By Zukile Majova
Political Editor

State prosecutors are convinced that their fraud and corruption case against former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule just got stronger.

This comes after the successful extradition of Magashule’s former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota.

For three years, the case appeared to have hit a dead end with Cholota, now on a study visa in the United States of America, refusing to cut a deal with the state.

Cholota arrived in South Africa on Thursday night, was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport, and is due to appear at the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

She was meant to be a key witness for the state, but over the years, she opposed efforts to extradite her and refused to cooperate with the state.

State investigators place Cholota at the heart of the scheme, as she was the PA for Magashule while he was the premier of the Free State.

Cholota is said to have been the one contacting various businessmen who received tenders, collecting kickbacks for Magashule.

The tenders were meant for the removal of asbestos roofs in over 4,000 homes and replacing them with safer and healthier options.

Among the accused in the case are controversial businessman Edwin Sodi, former director-general of the national Department of Housing Thabane Zulu, and former MEC and Mangaung mayor Olly Mlamleli.

The case is set for trial from April to June 2025, and the accused have pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Pictured Above: Moroadi Cholota arrives at OR Tambo International Airport after being extradited from the United States of America.

Source:X