Ace Magashule’s Former Assistant Fights for Bail in Bloemfontein Court After Extradition from the US
Image Source: Moroadi Cholota on Monday morning in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.
Published by Everything ZA News
Bloemfontein, South Africa — After spending four months in U.S. custody, Moroadi Cholota, the former personal assistant to ex-Free State Premier Ace Magashule, appeared in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday to apply for bail. Cholota, who was recently extradited from the United States, is now accused number 17 in a high-profile R255 million corruption case involving several Free State government officials.
Cholota, who was extradited last Thursday, joins her former boss and other officials, who are accused of participating in a corrupt scheme tied to a lucrative tender awarded to businessman Edwin Sodi. Despite looking calm in court, Cholota was visibly upset upon learning that she would not be released on bail.
Her legal representative, Advocate Loyiso Makapela, argued that Cholota’s prolonged imprisonment was unlawful, noting that she had been detained in the U.S. since April 12. In her affidavit, Cholota insisted that it was in the interest of justice for her to be released from detention at the earliest possible opportunity. She denied all charges against her, asserting her confidence in being acquitted.
“I have been informed I’m accused of having committed the offences of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. I deny the allegations in the strongest terms. I wish to state I’m confident I will not be found guilty of the charges,” Cholota stated. She expressed frustration over her extended detention, pointing out that none of her co-accused had spent more than a day in prison.
Cholota also addressed her involvement in the 2019 Zondo Commission, where she served as a state witness. She claimed the charges against her were a result of perceived non-cooperation with investigators, despite her willingness to assist. “There is no evidence to show I have never co-operated with the investigators,” she argued.
Cholota assured the court that she had no intention of fleeing, noting that her passport was left behind in Maryland, Baltimore, and that her only close relative outside South Africa was her 14-year-old son, who is currently in Nigeria. She requested bail be set at R2,500 and expressed her determination to stand trial and prove her innocence.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) requested a postponement of the case to Tuesday to review Cholota’s affidavit, which was submitted to them that morning. The state indicated that it would file a comprehensive response to her bail application.
In June, U.S. Judge Erin Aslan of the Maryland District Court approved South Africa’s extradition request for Cholota, citing sufficient evidence to support the charges against her. Judge Aslan stated that Cholota was alleged to have used her government position to facilitate corrupt financial transactions, a claim backed by various documents, including indictments, sworn statements, and forensic audits.
Cholota, Magashule, and several other officials face charges of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act. The case is set to continue on Tuesday.
About The Author
