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Magashule’s ex-PA Moroadi Cholota gets bail in asbestos case, with strict conditions

The Bloemfontein Magistrates Court has granted Ace Magashule’s former personal assistant Moroadi Cholota bail of R2500.

Cholota appeared before the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court for the third time this week as her bail application was postponed twice. Cholota has been in custody since she was extradited from the United States last Thursday.

MOROADI CHOLOTA GRANTED BAIL

Cholota is accused of fraud and corruption, among other charges, alongside her former boss Magashule, infamous businessman Edwin Sodi and others, such as:

  • Thabane Zulu, former director-general of national Department of Human Settlements
  • Nthimotse Mokhesi
  • Mahlomola Matlakala
  • Sello Radebe
  • Adel Kgotso Manyeki
  • Nozipho Molikoe
  • Albertus Venter
  • Margaret-Ann Diedericks, former head of Gauteng’s human settlements department
  • Olly Mlamleli, former MEC and Mangaung mayor

On Tuesday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Cholota would most likely flee if granted bail, and in support, they contend that:

  • She was extradited from US and did not return to South Africa willingly, while her co-accused – Magashule, Sodi and others – have been availing themselves to the court without coercion
  •  She has not seen her child, who resides in South Africa, since 2020
  •  She has already settled in the US and has not been to South Africa in approximately five years
  •  She has a romantic partner who lives in the US

On Thursday, Cholota’s lawyer argued that she is not a flight risk as all her travel documents were left behind in the United States when she was extradited, and that all her co-accused in the matter are out on bail, so she deserves to be released too.

The magistrate said she believed there are conditions that can limit Cholota’s movements and does not support the State’s assertion that she is a flight risk.

“The defence proved to the court that it is in the interest of justice for the accused to be granted bail,” she said.

WHAT ARE HER BAIL CONDITIONS?

  • She should be present in court at 8:30 whenever the matter is heard.
  • She may not travel outside Bloemfontein and she should consult the investigating officer for consent.
  • Lastly, Cholota should report to the nearest police station every Monday and Friday between 8:00 and 17:00.

The magistrate further emphasised that should she fail to abide by the conditions, her bail will be forfeited to the State and a warrant of arrest will be issued.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE COURT’S DECISION TO GRANT MOROADI CHOLOTA BAIL?

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