Case against Ace Magashule’s former PA thrown out of court

June 3, 2025 170

Ace Magashule’s former PA, Moroadi Cholota, will not be tried in the controversial Free State asbestos case.

This after the High Court in Bloemfontein ruled that her extradition from the United States (US) was unlawful, effectively stripping the court of jurisdiction to prosecute her.

The 37-year-old claims she was tortured and intimidated by detectives when she was being brought back into the country.

Cholota faced graft charges alongside Magashule, businessman Edwin Sodi and 14 others after they allegedly failed to replace the harmful asbestos roofs from over 300 000 homes in Free State townships.

Judge Phillip Loubser said it is undeniable that the state presented false and incorrect information to US authorities.

“Two South African courts have already made this finding, and US authorities relied on this information in good faith, and actioned the extradition on an unknowingly, unlawful basis.”

Cholota was extradited from the US in August last year after spending four months in American prisons.

The 37-year-old, who has always maintained her innocence, argued that the charges levelled against her were prompted by what she claimed police perceived as a ‘lack of cooperation’.

Police had sought information from her regarding the case following her testimony at the state capture inquiry, which was led by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

Cholota’s legal team says it will follow her directive regarding the next steps.