The pretrial hearing of Moroadi Cholota, former personal assistant to Ace Magashule, the former Free State Premier, was postponed this morning at the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein.

Cholota, who was arrested in the United States earlier this year and extradited to South Africa in August, faces multiple charges, including fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to the 2014 Free State asbestos roof eradication project, valued at R225 million.

Review extensive documentation

Cholota spent four months in custody before being granted bail of R2,500 under strict conditions. She sought to have her arrest and extradition declared unlawful and unconstitutional, but her application was dismissed by the Free State High Court last month.

During today’s court proceedings, Cholota’s legal team, led by Advocate Norman Makhubela, requested a postponement of the pretrial hearing, initially scheduled for today (11/9). The request was made to allow them to review the extensive documentation disclosed in the docket.

Defence lawyer Adv. Norman Makubela. Photo: Screenshot

“I confirm the submission processes as far as the process that led us before you today and in addition to that, for purposes of today we request a postponement today. Arrangements were that we are going to be provided disclosure (information) only today after this proceedings and from what I heard from my learned colleague is that there is a lot of information and we agreed on a date of 18 November 2024,” Makhubela told the court.

However, Free State High Court Judge President, Cagney Musi, questioned the need for such a lengthy delay, asking why the case should be postponed until November if the reason was merely to review the disclosure.

The Free State High Court Judge President, Cagney Musi. Photo: Screenshot

“Shouldn’t you first assess what information there is and then consult with your client and then decide on a date? Shouldn’t we then look into postponing the matter sometime next month?” 

Makhubela defended the request, citing the vast amount of documentation involved and the need for adequate time to prepare and consult with his client. The state lawyer Advocate Johan de Nysschen confirmed the prosecution’s disclosure consisted of thousands of documents.

The state lawyer Advocate Johan de Nysschen. Photo: Screenshot

After considering the arguments Musi decided to postpone the matter to Wednesday (16/10). He instructed Cholota to appear in court at 09:00. on the new date, and further highlighted her bail of R2,500 is extended until then.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg