Magashule Confident Amid Cholota's Arrest and Extradition in Asbestos Case

In a recent development that has rippled through South African political circles, former Free State premier Ace Magashule expressed unwavering confidence amidst the escalating legal turmoil surrounding the asbestos audit tender scandal. The arrest and extradition of his former personal assistant, Moroadi Cholota, has not dented Magashule’s stance regarding his innocence, nor has it swayed his resolve in the face of a flurry of legal challenges.

Cholota, who was extradited to South Africa with the approval of the US government, landed at the OR Tambo International Airport last week, escorted by law enforcement and placed into the custody of the Hawks. She is set to make her first court appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court, confronted with serious allegations of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and violation of the Public Finance Management Act.

Despite the gravity of the charges against Cholota, Magashule stands firm on his assertion of innocence for both himself and his former aide. He emphasized that any attempts to implicate him through Cholota are baseless. Magashule also expressed concern for Cholota's treatment, likening it to that of a "terrorist," and insisting that she deserves to be treated with humanity and dignity.

The overarching case which has ensnared Magashule, Cholota, and 17 other individuals, including businessman Edwin Sodi, centers on a contentious R255 million tender for the removal of asbestos from homes across the Free State. Magashule held the position of Free State premier at the time of the tender award, placing him at the heart of the scandal.

Magashule and his co-accused have struggled to shake off the legal repercussions of their alleged actions, with both the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissing their attempts to challenge their prosecution. Notably, in May 2023, the Supreme Court of Appeal rejected their appeal with a clear message stating that the appeal had no reasonable prospects of success and should not proceed further.

This series of legal rebuffs has not thwarted Magashule, who continues to claim that no credible case stands against him or Cholota. As the asbestos case unfolds, with Cholota's impending court appearance and the attention it will undoubtedly attract, observers are keenly watching for any potential shifts in the narrative or new evidence that may surface.